Conocimiento en el uso de métodos anticonceptivos en adolescentes de Bachillerato de dos Instituciones Educativas de Cuenca, estudio Comparativo 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual and reproductive health in adolescents is fundamental, especially regarding knowledge and use of contraceptive methods. In Ecuador, adolescent pregnancy, which is linked to a lack of sexual education and access to contraceptives, is a public health issue. Objective: To determine the knowledge of contraceptive methods used among high school adolescents from two educational institutions in the city of Cuenca during the year 2024. Methodology: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in the Alicia Loza Meneses (UEFALM, for its Spanish acronym) and American School (UEAS, for its Spanish acronym) educational institutions. The population consisted of 958 students aged 14 to 18 years, with a sample of 194 participants selected by stratified random sampling. A structured survey, validated by Sánchez J, and Gutiérrez B, and based on a previous study conducted in Peru, was used. The data collected were entered into Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 15. Absolute and relative frequency tables were used to interpret the results, focusing on evaluating knowledge, sexual behaviors, and contraceptive method use. Results: Fifty-five point seven percent (55.7%) were women, and 44.3% were men; 69.9% had not initiated sexual activity. Among those who had, 85.7% used contraceptive methods, with condoms being the most common (54.3%). The most frequent level of knowledge was moderate, with 109 students, of whom 60 belonged to UEFALM and 49 to UEAS. Conclusions: Comprehensive sexual education is essential to promote responsible sexual practices and the appropriate use of contraceptive methods.