OBJECTIVE:To estimate the prevalence of contraceptives use among female adolescents and to describe their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out at the Community Management District "Restinga/Extremo Sul", in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, from July to December 2009. The sample included 487 adolescents aged ten to 19 years old, who live in this community. The main outcome was the use of contraceptive method alone or in association whit other methods; independent variables were age, skin color, social class, marital status, education level in years, marital situation, job, religion, unplanned pregnancy and abortion. RESULTS: Among the interviewed adolescents, 51% had 15-19 years old, 67% were white, 29% and 59% respectively belonged to A/B and C socio-economical levels. The first sexual intercourse occurred on average at 15 years old. The use of contraceptive methods was reported by 75% of sexually active teens. The pill was the most frequently mentioned method (62%), followed by condoms (38%) and non-oral hormonal contraceptives (injectable or implant, 16%). No significant association was found between the use of any contraceptive method and demographic and socioeconomic variables. CONCLUSIONS: The number of sexually active teenagers who do not use effective contraception (25%) is alarming.
contraception; adolescent; educational status
