Sexual onset and contraceptive use among adolescents from poor neighbourhoods in Managua, Nicaragua
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Background and objectives The prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Nicaragua is the
highest in Latin-America. This study aimed to gain insight into factors which determine the
sexual behaviours concerned.
Methods From July until August 2011, a door-to-door survey was conducted among
adolescents living in randomly selected poor neighbourhoods of Managua. Logistic regression
was used to analyse factors related to sexual onset and contraceptive use.
Results Data from 2803 adolescents were analysed. Of the 475 and 299 sexually active
boys and girls, 43% and 54%, respectively, reported contraceptive use. Sexual onset was
positively related to increasing age, male sex, alcohol consumption and not living with the
parents. Catholic boys and boys never feeling peer pressure to have sexual intercourse were
more likely to report consistent condom use. Having a partner and feeling comfortable
talking about sexuality with the partner were associated with hormonal contraception.
Conclusions Our data identifi ed associates of adolescents ’sexual behaviour related
to personal characteristics (sex and alcohol use), to the interaction with signifi cant others
(parents, partners, peers) and to the environment (housing condition, religion). We interpreted
those associates within the context of the rapidly changing society and the recently
implemented health system reform in Nicaragua.
Resumen
Background and objectives The prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Nicaragua is the
highest in Latin-America. This study aimed to gain insight into factors which determine the
sexual behaviours concerned.
Methods From July until August 2011, a door-to-door survey was conducted among
adolescents living in randomly selected poor neighbourhoods of Managua. Logistic regression
was used to analyse factors related to sexual onset and contraceptive use.
Results Data from 2803 adolescents were analysed. Of the 475 and 299 sexually active
boys and girls, 43% and 54%, respectively, reported contraceptive use. Sexual onset was
positively related to increasing age, male sex, alcohol consumption and not living with the
parents. Catholic boys and boys never feeling peer pressure to have sexual intercourse were
more likely to report consistent condom use. Having a partner and feeling comfortable
talking about sexuality with the partner were associated with hormonal contraception.
Conclusions Our data identifi ed associates of adolescents ’sexual behaviour related
to personal characteristics (sex and alcohol use), to the interaction with signifi cant others
(parents, partners, peers) and to the environment (housing condition, religion). We interpreted
those associates within the context of the rapidly changing society and the recently
implemented health system reform in Nicaragua.
Keywords
Adolescents, Contraception, Latin america, Nicaragua, Pregnancy in adolescence, Sexual behaviour