The (mis)information era: knowledge and beliefs about sexual and reproductive health in Portuguese adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v40i5.13929Keywords:
Sex education, AdolescentAbstract
Introduction: Sexual education must take on a holistic perspective because only in this way can the younger segment of the population have a fulfilling experience of their sexuality. Therefore, it is interesting to understand the state of sexual education in Portugal.
Objective: To assess the knowledge and beliefs of adolescents regarding sexuality and sexual education.
Methods: An observational and analytical study was conducted, involving the administration of questionnaires to adolescents aged 13-19 attending middle and high school in the Metropolitan Area of Porto.
Results: A total of 572 answers were included for analysis. The average age of the participants was 14.9±1.6 years, and the majority identified as girls. In the assessment of knowledge, 84% of the questions had more correct answers than incorrect ones. It was observed that with increasing age, knowledge levels increase while limiting beliefs and negative attitudes regarding sexuality decrease (p<0.001). Individuals identifying as girls tend to have higher knowledge levels; conversely, those identifying as boys tend to have higher levels of limiting beliefs and negative attitudes (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The age and gender identity of adolescents influence their knowledge and beliefs associated with sexuality.
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