RESUMO

PIP: A 1979 survey of women aged 15-45 years from Sao Paulo, Brazil, concerning their contraception use demonstrates the impact of family planning, even without an official family planning program. 23% of the women were using the pill and 16% were sterilized. Very few used diaphragms, condoms, or IUDs. Although there is now an official family planning program in Brazil, only middle and upper class women have access to sophisticated means of birth control. Poor women are limited to tubal ligation which is often disguised as a cesarean section (the rate at some hospitals for this operation is 90%). Since the Integrated Project was introduced in 2 pilot areas in 1983, 12 branches, where community representatives run monthly discussion meetings and classes are held on family planning methods, have been established in the city. Nurses coordinate volunteer efforts. The program began in slum areas by utilizing the nurses and nurseries already in place to care for children of working women. New expansion will require integrating the family planning program into other established, nongovernmental organizations and working with municipal and state governments.^ieng

Assuntos

RESUMO

Family planning clinics for university students play a valuable role in promoting health. This research project, a pilot study among women students who sought family planning services through a Costa Rican university clinic, introduced student evaluation of the family planning clinic, documented services provided in family planning visits, and identified issues for further study. Aged 18-33 years, the 53 respondents (a convenient sample) who completed a self-administered questionnaire were mostly (64%) single; all were sexually active; and 78% wished to have children (or more children) some day. Though all were sexually active at the time of their visit, only 62% were currently using contraception, and fewer than half of these were using effective methods. Nearly all students (96%) reported they learned new information during their appointment, and many received screening tests and examinations. Respondents rated their satisfaction with aspects of clinic service as high, citing the clinic's low visibility on campus as the most important area for improvement. All of the students said they would definitely return (85%) or would consider returning (15%). The results support the continuance of such a clinic on the campus, as well as of the practice of student evaluation. This collaborative study demonstrated areas for future research and stimulated interest in the university clinic as a research setting.

PIP: In Costa Rica, a nurse researcher or a nurse clinician interviewed 53 female students aged 18-33 at the family planning clinic at the Universidad Nacional Heredia. This 6-month, descriptive pilot study aimed to learn what services are covered during family planning visits, the students' evaluation of the clinic, and their demographic characteristics. 36% of the students were either married or in a consensual union. Just 25% of the women had children. 78% of the students wanted to be mothers (mean ideal family size = 1.8). All the women were sexually active, yet only 26% had previously sought family planning advice. 62% currently used birth control. 62% of family planning users used natural family planning methods or barrier methods. Referral by a health provider was more common than referral by a friend (17% vs. 7.3%). 34% of all students had used other services in the student health department. The most common services covered during family planning visits were pelvic exam (59%) and contraceptive information (51%). Other relatively common services were sexuality counseling (26%), breast exam (24%), and blood pressure check (23%). 96% of the students received new information mainly on contraceptive methods (65%), breast self-examination (39%), and sexuality education (35%). The students were satisfied with all clinic services (3.9-4.9, with 5 equaling very satisfied), especially, with the opportunity to ask questions, counseling provided, and advice given by clinicians. 22% of the students wanted greater clinic outreach, especially about family planning. 85% said that they would definitely return to the university clinic. 91% would recommend it to a friend wanting family planning advice. The field of family planning needs of and services to university students is an open field for nurse researchers.

Assuntos