Differences in the use of family planning methods by adolescent females according to the education model utilized during pregnancy. Monterrey, Mexico.

Núñez Rocha, G. M., M. d. J. Alanís Alanís, et al. (2005). "Differences in the use of family planning methods by adolescent females according to the education model utilized during pregnancy. Monterrey, Mexico. / Diferencias en la utilización de métodos de planificación familiar por mujeres adolescentes en Monterrey, México, según el modelo de educación sanitaria utilizado." Revista Española de Salud Pública 79(1): 69-77.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted to compare the use of family planning methods during the immediate postpartum period and 2 years following childbirth among adolescent females who had followed 2 different educational programmes during their pregnancies. 62 pregnant adolescents in Monterrey, Mexico, were selected and divided into 2 intervention groups: the PRECEDE model and Health Belief model (MCS) groups. Non-parametrical statistical tests were employed and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results: The average points for knowledge in the MCS and PRECEDE groups were 69.12 (95% CI: 63.27-74.79) and 49.39 (95% CI: 71.12-79.38) before the intervention, and 89.71 (95% CI: 86.24-93.17) and 75.25 (95% CI: 71.12-79.38) after the intervention, respectively. In the immediate postpartum, 93% (95% CI: 83.5-100) and 94.2% (95% CI: 86.3-100) of adolescents in the PRECEDE and MCS groups accepted the use of a family planning method, respectively. After 2 years, the PRECEDE strategy had a greater effect than the MCS strategy (92 vs. 72%). There was a difference between models as regards the use family planning methods 2 years following childbirth.

Conclusion: The PRECEDE programme is proposed as the education strategy for the prevention of a second pregnancy among adolescent females.