Representações e práticas referentes à gravidez e contracepção entre jovens

Representations and practices related to pregnancy and contraception among adolescents

Abstract

Objective: Through identifying representations of pregnancy among teenagers, the goal of this study was to provide
input for the management of aspects related to sexuality and reproductive health in educational programs for adolescents.
Methods: The methodology involves memory workshops with adolescents. Starting with an inductor phrase: “I know a
girl who got pregnant and she got into such a mess …”, participants were invited to write a story that they knew about this
topic, then presenting it for discussion by the group. The inductor phrase deliberately implied a negative judgment, as this
is found in society. Through deconstructing this concept, the project attempted to identify the specifi c meanings assigned
by the group to the issues under discussion. This study was conducted at the Adolescentro teen center in the Rocinha slum
in Rio de Janeiro, and at a government school in Santana, Amapá State. Results: The written materials and the outcomes
of the discussions were analyzed through the content analysis technique and classifi ed as follows: age; abortion; men’s
responsibility; involvement with criminals; harassment; vulnerability and asymmetrical relations; idealized love; lifestyle
changes; family reactions; humiliation; stories of surmounting diffi culties. Conclusion: The fi ndings offer assistance in
developing educational approaches based on concepts presented by these youngsters.