SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHT: A HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITY AT A STATE SCHOOL IN THE CITY OF PETRÓPOLIS (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive rights, based on human rights, guarantee the individual the autonomy to make decisions about their sexuality, maternity and contraception. In adolescence, sexuality is one of the dimensions of development that assumes significant relevance, as the reproductive capacity of human beings begins. The general objective of the research was to analyze the knowledge of secondary school adolescents about contraceptive methods and sexual behavior, considering the need to educate this population about their sexual and reproductive rights. Methodologically, the research is of an exploratory nature, of a diagnostic nature, of a quali-quanti nature. The surveyed population consisted of students in the 2nd and 3rd years of Colégio Estadual Rui Barbosa, located in the city of Petrópolis, RJ. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire, developed exclusively for the research. 110 students answered the questionnaire: 70% aged between 16 and 17 years old; 30% aged over 17 years; 62% female; 38% male; 55% declared themselves as non-white (black or brown); 45% declared themselves white; 60% of respondents had already experienced sexarch, 70% aged 15 or 16; 80% want to have at least one child; 14% do not want children; 5% expressed doubt and 1% considered adoption. These data point to the need for an effective and permanent health education policy for this specific population.