High school students' opinions of gynecological consultations in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil

Abstracts

OBJETIVO: Analisar diferenças socioculturais e percepções sobre a consulta ginecológica por adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 418 alunas do ensino médio de três escolas de diferentes perfis, localizadas na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, em 2010. Aplicou-se questionário estruturado, abordando características sociodemográficas, comportamento sexual e avaliação da consulta ginecológica. Utilizou-se o teste de Qui-quadrado (Yates) e o t de Student, adotando-se p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Alunas dos colégios privado e público apresentaram perfis semelhantes e diferiram daquelas da rede pública estadual que tiveram nível socioeconômico mais baixo, menor escolaridade dos responsáveis, predominância da raça negra, maior número de parceiros, gestações e histórico de violência sexual. As médias de idades da menarca e sexarca foram semelhantes entre as estudantes e a primeira consulta ginecológica foi significativamente mais tardia nas alunas da rede estadual. A maioria referiu conhecimento sobre anticoncepção e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, porém pequena parte obteve essas orientações na consulta. As estudantes manifestaram desejo de que o profissional investisse mais tempo, paciência e disponibilidade no atendimento. CONCLUSÕES: O atendimento ginecológico na adolescência é insatisfatório segundo a avaliação das adolescentes estudadas. As usuárias dos serviços privados submetem-se à consulta ginecológica em idade mais precoce do que aquelas que têm acesso apenas à rede pública. É necessário criar mecanismos que facilitem o acesso e a adesão desse grupo etário à rotina preventiva ginecológica.

Adolescente; Exame Ginecológico; Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde; Comportamento Sexual; Educação Sexual; Estudos Transversais

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Sandra de Morais Pereira^I; Stella Regina Taquette^II; Maurício de Andrade Pérez^III

^IServiço de Ginecologia. Hospital Federal de Bonsucesso. Ministério de Saúde. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

^IIDepartamento de Medicina Interna. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

^IIIInstituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Correspondence

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze sociocultural differences and perceptions of gynecological consultations for high school girls.

METHODS: A transversal study with 418 high school girls from three schools of different profiles in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, in 2010. A structured questionnaire encompassing socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior and evaluation of gynecological consultations was completed. Yates' Chi-square test and the Student's t-test were utilized adopting a value of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The students of private and federal public schools presented similar profiles but both were different from the state school girls. The latter had lower socioeconomic status, and their parents had lower levels of education, the predominance of afro-descendants was observed, as were a larger number of sexual partners, pregnancy and cases of sexual violence. The average age of menarche and sexarche among the students were similar, but the first gynecological consultation was significantly later among the state school students. The majority showed some knowledge of contraception and STDs, although only a minority received guidance from the consultations. Students expressed the desire that the professionals dedicate more time, patience and availability to them during consultations.

CONCLUSIONS: The provision of gynecological services for teenagers is not satisfactory, according to the teenagers' evaluations. Users of the private health system have gynecological consultations earlier than those who only have access to the public system. It is necessary to create mechanisms that facilitate access and adhesion to a routine of gynecological prevention for this age group.

Descriptors: Adolescent. Gynecological Examination. Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice. Sexual Behavior. Sex Education. Cross-Sectional Studies.

RESUMEN

OBJETIVO: Analizar diferencias socioculturales y percepciones sobre la consulta ginecológica en adolescentes.

MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 418 alumnas de educación secundaria de tres escuelas con diferentes perfiles, localizadas en la ciudad de Rio de Janeiro, RJ, en 2010. Se aplicó cuestionario estructurado, abordando características sociodemográficas, comportamiento sexual y evaluación de la consulta ginecológica. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado (Yates) y el t de Student, adoptándose un p<0,05.

RESULTADOS: Alumnas de los colegios privado y público presentaron perfiles semejantes y se diferenciaron de las que estudian en la red pública estatal quienes presentaron nivel socioeconómico más bajo, menor escolaridad de los representantes, predominancia de raza negra, mayor número de parejas, gestaciones e historia de violencia sexual. El promedio de edades de las menarca y sexarca fueron semejantes entre las estudiantes y la primera consulta ginecológica fue significativamente más tardía en las alumnas de la red estatal. La mayoría mencionó tener conocimiento sobre la anticoncepción y enfermedades transmitidas sexualmente, sin embargo, un pequeño número tuvo esas orientaciones en la consulta. Las estudiantes manifestaron interés por disponer de más tiempo, paciencia y atención por parte del profesional.

CONCLUSIONES: La atención ginecológica en la adolescencia es insatisfactoria de acuerdo con la evaluación en las adolescentes estudiadas. Las usuarias de los servicios privados acuden a la consulta ginecológica en edad más precoz que las que tienen acceso a la red pública. Es necesario crear mecanismos que faciliten el acceso y la adhesión de ese grupo etario a la rutina preventiva ginecológica.

Descriptores: adolescente. exámen ginecologíco, psicología. conocimientos, actitudes y práctica en salud. conducta sexual. educación sexual. estudios transversales.

INTRODUCTION

Research on gynecological services does not, in general, differentiate between adult and adolescent, leaving gaps which require filling. Limiting adolescence to a transition period encourages neglect of their needs and failure to guarantee their rights.

Concern with adolescents' quality of life and health care is an integral part of the Brazilian Ministry of Health's programs through health care policies and establishing norms which guide various activities. Each professional should act within their respective area to ensure this group's sexual and reproductive rights are guaranteed.ª

Inadequate access to basic care may discourage patients from utilizing health care services. Gynecological specialists who treat many adolescents should be prepared to evaluate and deal with their primary health needs, in addition to reproductive issues.⁹ Services must be organized in order to accommodate the specific needs of this clientele, so that access to campaigns, care and health supplies are guaranteed without the limits actually imposed. This requires reflection upon the diverse roles played by those in the health sector involved in caring for this particular age group.ª

The health of this group is extremely vulnerable to such things as unplanned pregnancies with their attendant complications and the increased prevalence of high grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions, which suggest the necessity for sexually active adolescents to be included in cervical cancer screening programs.¹² Moreover, they are at high risk of sexually transmitted disease which can lead to gynecological problems which, if not properly dealt with, may affect the future fertility of these young people.⁷ It is necessary that healthcare services fulfill their obligations to fully care for this population in order to minimize the occurrence of these complications.

Gynecological examinations should be conducted along the appropriate guidelines and in a suitable environment, with the aim of initiating a routine of prevention and care for the adolescents' reproductive health. However, obstacles such as difficulty in making appointments, not being able to choose the professional and care inadequate to the needs of this age group are encountered, which can lead to reluctance to attend gynecological examinations. These are not problems which solely affect public health care, but also the private sector. Currently, health care plans limit patient choice, as well as making confidentiality impossible, as medical appointments are registered to later be checked by the insurance holder.

Another problem highlighted by the adolescents⁶ is the requirement by some services for a parent or guardian to be present at the appointment, or even to make the appointment. This population requires individual care, with privacy, in an appropriate and private setting including during the physical examination. These obstacles lead to the adolescents seeking other forms of guidance and only seeking specialized medical assistance when suffering from health problems. Adolescents do not customarily share their sexual health decisions with their parents or guardians and seek the help of a gynecologist. Professionals, in addition to carrying out the technical aspect of their profession, should also invest in the personal side of their relationship with their patient so as to satisfy ethical precepts, social norms and the patients' needs and legitimate expectations. The doctor should be appropriately prepared, recognizing the problems peculiar to this age group in order to meet their needs.⁹

This research aims to analyze sociocultural differences and adolescents' perceptions of gynecological appointments. We seek to understand the difficulties in order to assist in this service moving from being a taboo subject to being a routine step in adolescents' sexual and reproductive health.

METHODS

Transversal knowledge, attitude and practice study of 418 high school students from three urban schools: 165 from state schools, 122 from private schools and 131 from federal public schools in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, between March and July 2010.

Three educational establishments were selected: a state school (A) located in a suburban neighborhood of the city with low socio-economic status; a private institution (B) in a privileged area, with pupils from well-off backgrounds, and a technical federal public school (C) located in a middle class neighborhood, which set an entrance exam. Inclusion criteria which ensured a heterogeneous and representative sample were adopted.

Preliminary semi-structured qualitative interviews with a sample of female adolescents took place, asking about gynecological consultations in this age group.⁵ This provided support when constructing the questionnaire and evaluating the sample, allowing a better understanding of the object studied. A pilot study was conducted with a group of female pupils at a state school, which allowed the questionnaire to be refined according to the information obtained. Both a pre-test and a re-test of the interviews were carried out at two different times (n = 52) to evaluate the reliability of the instrument. The variables showed percent agreement values above 90% of the Kappa statistic, confirming the instrument's reliability and validity.

A structured, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was completed. The instrument contained sections with questions on socio-demographic characteristics, behavior (related to sexual activity: sexually transmitted diseases, sexuality and contraception), and attitudes and opinions towards gynecological consultations. The adolescents had been previously invited to take part in the research. The questionnaires were completed in a hall provided by the school, without the presence of teachers or school employees, between March and July 2010. The researcher was present to respond to any questions about how to complete the questionnaire.

The sample size was calculated based on data from the preliminary stage, which showed that 70% of adolescents in schools where the income and or level of education of the mothers was higher had visited a gynecologist, as had 50% of adolescents in state institutions.

A sample which would enable us to compare two proportions, with an error α of 5% and a test power of 80% was calculated to be at least 103 students per school.

The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS - 14.0). The comparison between proportions was carried out using Yates' Chi-square text. Where necessary we used Fisher's correction (expected value < 5). The Student's t-test was used to compare measures. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure linear correlation between two continuous variables. When the probability of error was < 5%, this was considered to be statistically significant.

This research complies with ethical precepts established by CONEP Resolution nº 196/96 and was approved by the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Research and Ethics Committee Process nº 1989-CEP/HUPE, 2008). The parents or guardians of the adolescents who agreed to take part signed a consent form. Anonymity and confidentiality were guaranteed.

RESULTS

The average age of the population studied was: 17.2 in school A; 15.9 in B and 16.1 in C. The ratio of black and mixed race students in the state school was significantly greater (p < 0.0001) than in the other two schools. The pupils showed lower monthly incomes (p < 0.0001) and reported more inhabitants per room (p < 0.0001). It was noted that the proportion of parents or guardians who had attended high school education (whether or not they graduated), was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in institutions B and C when compared with the state school. The percentage of adolescents carrying out remunerated activities was 12.9%: 25.2% in school A, 4.2% in school B and 5.4% in school C and there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) when school A was compared with the others (Table 1).

Students in common law marriages belonged to the state school (p < 0.0001). The mean ages for menarche and sexarche were similar for all of the pupils. The majority of pregnancies (p < 0.0002) occurred in school A. There was a higher proportion of miscarriages in the state school (p < 0.03) compared with the sum of the students (B) and (C). The mean age for the first gynecological consultation was higher in state schools (p < 0.0001) when compared with that of students at other educational institutions (Table 2).

The proportion of interviewees who stated that they had been the victim of some kind of sexual abuse was 8.9%, 20 from school (A), seven (B) and ten (C). One adolescent from school B had reported this to the Council of Guardianship. Eighteen pupils from the state school who stated that they had been the victim of sexual abuse had not reported it to anyone or taken any actions.

Overall, the students had access to information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Much of this knowledge comes from their parents or from other sources such as schools, television, the internet and friends. Gynecologists were not proactive in providing the interviewees with information (Table 3).

From school A, 62.7% of the students had seen a gynecologist, 77% from school B and 78.6% from school C; 78.2% of the interviewees had never had a smear test. Students at the state school encountered significantly greater difficulties in making an appointment with a gynecologist than the other interviewees (χ² = 14.5 and p < 0.0001). Students from school A were primarily dealt with by public health services, which was clearly significant when compared with the others (χ² = 114.8 and p < 0.000001), as was the duration of the appointment (< 15 minutes) which was shorter compared to the service provided by the private sector (χ² = 9.0 and p < 0.003).

The students from schools B and C did not mind if a nurse was present during the exams, although this was a cause of significant discomfort (χ² = 25.3 e p < 0.00001) for students from school A. The majority of those who took part in the research preferred to see a female gynecologist, with there being no statistical difference between the three institutions.

The interviewees' main reason for visiting the gynecologist was for a routine checkup (52.3%). Of the adolescents, 64.9% reported having questions and doubts cleared up during their appointment. Their satisfaction with the service was related to the way they were treated by the gynecologist. The main criteria that stand out were: showing patience during the gynecological examination (40.9%) and the professionals' use of explanatory material (29.9%). A lack of attention (30.1%) and waiting time (29.9%) were shown to be factors affecting dissatisfaction. According to the students (58.9%), the doctor should ideally be patient and available to listen to them (Table 4 and 5).

DISCUSSION

The main determinant of statistical differences in the correlation of the various variables was socio-economic status. The groups from the private and federal public schools had similar characteristics, differing from those of the state school.

The pupils at the state school were predominantly black, more sexually active, their parents and guardians had lower levels of education and they lived in worse conditions. In spite of the higher numbers of pregnancies, of partners, of abortions and of cases of sexual violence, the average age for their first gynecological consultation was later. Difficulties in gaining access to sexual and reproductive health services may be a probable explanation for this.

It is becoming more and more important to differentiate the needs of adolescents and to be aware of their specific needs, due to the importance this large age group holds for the future development of the population. There are few Brazilian studies on adolescent students in different socio-economic contexts. The majority deal with young people in state institutions, probably because private institutions are more reluctant to consent to research on their students.⁴ Collecting data on samples of students in educational networks with different characteristics enables the identification of the prevalence of these behaviors in students from different socio-economic backgrounds.

One of the limitations of this study is that it was only carried out with adolescent students. A large proportion of pupils drop out of education before graduating high school, especially those from poor backgrounds, often in order to work.

According to the results in this article, the majority of students, regardless of whether they studied in public or private institutions, saw a gynecologist during adolescence. It is important to motivate those that are sexually active to have a regular smear test. Thus, the results found reflect the necessity not only of understanding the importance of starting a preventative routine early in life but also of creating mechanisms which facilitate access to health care so that adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds do not seek health care only when they are already sick.

A considerable proportion of adolescents (8.9%) reported some kind of sexual abuse, and in one case the adolescent had reported it. Not revealing abuse may be linked to lack of awareness or confidence in the protective system, or to fear, either because of threats or fear of being stigmatized.¹

When gynecological consultations take into account the needs of this age group they represent a space for listening, so that questions and problems can be revealed and help obtained. Sexual violence may lead to psychological traumas as well as to practicing unsafe sex and making the victim vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation.¹⁶ This type of violence, linked to poverty, low levels of education and low self-esteem reduces the adolescent's chances of creating self-protective mechanisms and exposes them to becoming victimized again outside of the family environment.¹⁸

Students from schools B and C, from better off backgrounds and with parents or guardians with better levels of education and access to private health care, sought gynecological care at a younger age. They had fewer difficulties in making appointments, were more protected by their network of family and friends and were less vulnerable to sexual violence and accidental pregnancy. Confirming the findings of previous studies by the authors,¹⁴ the students from these two institutions had very similar patterns of knowledge and behavior, suggesting that the parents' and guardians' level of education, and that of the girls themselves, is an important factor in factors of protection from and preventing violence.

According to the 2009 PNAD (Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios - National Household Survey),

Students had little knowledge of female condoms or dual protection. The majority stated that male condoms were the most popular method of contraception for this age group, as found in other studies.^2,10 Many of them reported knowing about emergency contraception, knowledge of which came from various sources, although without a clear understanding of how it worked. Misinformation tended to compromise the patient's perception of security and effectiveness.¹⁵ This study shows that, although the majority of the interviewees showed some knowledge of contraception and STD, only a small number had sought guidance from a gynecologist during a consultation. The role of the health care professionals was not proactive, as has been seen in other studies.¹¹ Some of the adolescents consulted family members, but most of them obtained their information from less secure sources, such as the media, the internet or from friends, as observed in the literature.⁸ Inadequate knowledge about contraception perpetuates myths about its use, which generates resistance.¹¹ During adolescence, the link between acquiring knowledge about contraception and using it is small.² Social context is an influencing factor in contraceptive use. According to the data in this article, adolescents from families with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to use contraceptives, as well as being more likely to comply with treatment, than those from less well-off backgrounds.

Routine checkups were the main reason for seeing a gynecologist, which is contrary to the findings of other studies, in which contraception tended to be the most frequent reason for this age group to visit a gynecologist.³

Gynecological consultations generated a variety of expectations among the students. Both those from group A, who used the public health service, and the others who used the private network, reported that they would like the professional to be more available. They stated that they would prefer to be seen by a female gynecologist, with more attention and more time, showing the importance attributed to the role of the doctor. The reproductive future of these young patients depends on the ability of this professional, making them understand the need to look after themselves in order prevent future health problems. There is a clear link between the length of the adolescent's appointment and the professional's level of involvement in the consultation.¹³

Promoting a good doctor-patient is fundamental, it is one of the key tools for encouraging young people to take responsibility for their own health, making effective changes in their attitude so that prevention is prioritized. Regularly monitoring adolescents by health care services aimed at this age group is a significant factor in the reduction of these young people becoming involved in risk-taking behavior.¹⁷ It is up to the professional to take advantage of this opportunity and provide guidance on the importance of responsible and safe sexual practices according to the age of the patient. The youth's expectations regarding the consultation should be taken into account. In this age group, the doctor-patient relationship changes from the role the doctor plays with a child and becomes professional-adolescent, with the right to privacy as guaranteed by the ECA (The Child and Adolescent Statute).

The care offered to this age group needs to become more flexible and inviting, so as to improve the numbers who start and maintain a preventative gynecological routine. It is possible to create a connection between patients and professional, building on the connection created by the duty of care and providing distinguished care, by means of which sufficient knowledge may be imparted to enable healthy and responsible reproductive practices on the part of the young patient.

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High school students' opinions of gynecological consultations in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil

Consulta ginecológica bajo la óptica de estudiantes de educación secundaria en Rio de Janeiro, RJ

^b

synthesis of social indicators shows lowering rates of fecundity in Brazil over the last few decades and relates this with the level of education. Among 15-19 year olds with fewer than 7 years schooling, 20.3% are mothers. The data show that levels of teenage pregnancy are higher in young people from lower income backgrounds, which is compatible with the results of this study.

^c

The study shows that access to public sexual health services is not made easy for adolescents who need it and, according to evaluations by users, quality needs to be improved. It is necessary to widen the range of sexual and reproductive health care available to this age group, especially for those from less well-off backgrounds and those who use the public health services, as well as increasing investment in training doctors to deal with this age group.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  17 May 2013
• Date of issue
  Feb 2013

History

• Received
  09 July 2012
• Accepted
  26 July 2012