POPLINE Document Number: 077405
Author(s):
Patricio ZM
Borenstein MS
Elsen I
Source citation:
REVISTA GAUCHA DE ENFERMAGEM, 1991 Jul;12(2):11-8.
Abstract:
The health care of adolescents is generally provided by conventional clinics in Brazil, as need requiring specialized care is rare in this age group. According the 1980 census, 23.8% of the population was between the ages of 10 and 19 years (and an estimated 27% in 1990), which indicates the need for proper services for adolescents that are to be integrated into the institutions of school and family. The cultural comprehension of adolescents in the context of health and disease was undertaken in the state of Santa Catarina in a field work study. A population of Azorian ethnicity comprising 200 families was chosen and studied during May-November 1988 focusing on the adolescents of the isolated, interior community of Florianopolis who had preserved Azorian traditions. The technique of observing the activities of young people was used, and 5 sessions were held during May-July 1988 with 20-40 youths of both sexes (10 adolescents) aged 14-20 years about health and disease as well as sexuality, reproduction, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Their questions concerned how to avoid pregnancy and information about drugs and the avoidance of drug use. This community did not differ much from other regions in terms of adolescent conflicts and cultural discontinuity by criticism of parents' values. However, not only culture determines family practices but also the need to survive. The adolescents had some knowledge about contraceptive methods but were unsure about particulars (getting pregnant during menstruation). It is recommended to professionals who want to reach a community with sex education to pay heed to sociocultural aspects of the individual's life and design a sex education course that views sexuality as the integral part of the whole personality formation process.
Keywords:
BrazilIndex page
Adolescents
Cultural Background
Ethnic Groups
Health
Diseases
Sexuality
Sex Education
Developing Countries
South America, Eastern
South America
Latin America
Americas
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Personality
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Education