Adolescence Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
, , , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2023;45(11):661-675
, , , , , To assess the loss to follow-up after emergency care and during 6-months of outpatient follow-up, and the associated variables, among adolescent sexual violence survivors.
This is a retrospective study with review of the medical records of 521 females, aged 10 to 18 years, who received emergency care in a referral service in São Paulo, Brazil. The variables were sociodemographic; personal history; characteristics of abuse, disclosure, and reactions triggered after abuse (physical and mental disorders as well as social changes), psychotropic prescription needs, and moment of abandonment: after emergency care and before completing 6 months of outpatient follow-up. To compare groups of patients lost to follow-up at each time point, we used the Chi-square and Fisher exact tests followed by multiple logistic regression with stepwise criterion for selection of associated variables. We calculated the odds ratio with confidence interval (OR, CI 95%). The level of significance adopted was 5%.
A total of 249/521 (47.7%) adolescents discontinued follow-up, 184 (35.3%) after emergency care and 65 (12.4%) before completing outpatient follow-up. The variables of living with a partner (OR = 5.94 [CI 95%; 2.49–14.20]); not having a religion (OR = 2.38 [CI 95%;1.29–4.38)]), having a Catholic religion [OR = 2.11 (CI 95%; 1.17–3.78)]; and not disclosing the abuse [OR = 2.07 (CI 95%; 1.25–3.44)] were associated with loss to follow-up after emergency care. Not needing mental disorder care (OR = 2.72 [CI 95%; 1.36–5.46]) or social support (OR = 2.33 [CI 95%; 1.09–4.99]) were directly associated with loss to outpatient follow-up.
Measures to improve adherence to follow-up should be aimed at adolescents who live with a partner and those who do not tell anyone about the violence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2023;45(11):661-675
, , , , , To assess the loss to follow-up after emergency care and during 6-months of outpatient follow-up, and the associated variables, among adolescent sexual violence survivors.
This is a retrospective study with review of the medical records of 521 females, aged 10 to 18 years, who received emergency care in a referral service in São Paulo, Brazil. The variables were sociodemographic; personal history; characteristics of abuse, disclosure, and reactions triggered after abuse (physical and mental disorders as well as social changes), psychotropic prescription needs, and moment of abandonment: after emergency care and before completing 6 months of outpatient follow-up. To compare groups of patients lost to follow-up at each time point, we used the Chi-square and Fisher exact tests followed by multiple logistic regression with stepwise criterion for selection of associated variables. We calculated the odds ratio with confidence interval (OR, CI 95%). The level of significance adopted was 5%.
A total of 249/521 (47.7%) adolescents discontinued follow-up, 184 (35.3%) after emergency care and 65 (12.4%) before completing outpatient follow-up. The variables of living with a partner (OR = 5.94 [CI 95%; 2.49–14.20]); not having a religion (OR = 2.38 [CI 95%;1.29–4.38)]), having a Catholic religion [OR = 2.11 (CI 95%; 1.17–3.78)]; and not disclosing the abuse [OR = 2.07 (CI 95%; 1.25–3.44)] were associated with loss to follow-up after emergency care. Not needing mental disorder care (OR = 2.72 [CI 95%; 1.36–5.46]) or social support (OR = 2.33 [CI 95%; 1.09–4.99]) were directly associated with loss to outpatient follow-up.
Measures to improve adherence to follow-up should be aimed at adolescents who live with a partner and those who do not tell anyone about the violence.
, , , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):667-677
, , , , , , To compare the sexual violence suffered by women in early and late adolescence, the reactions triggered after the aggression, and the care provided.
A retrospective study in which we reviewed the medical records of 521 female adolescents treated by a multidisciplinary team at a reference hospital in the city of Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil. We analyzed sociodemographic variables, and those pertainin to the characteristics of the episodes of violence, the emergency care, and the physical and psychological reactions observed during the follow-up. For the analysis, the sample was divided into groups of early (10 to 14 years) and late (15 to 18 years) adolescence. We used the Chi-squared/Fisher Exact, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the groups; the level of significance adopted was 5%.
The early group (n= 242) contained more adolescents who were enrolled in school (p< 0.001), suffered more daytime aggressions (p= 0.031), in their residences (p< 0.001), by an aggressor with whom they were acquainted (p< 0.001), had greater need of legal protection (p= 0.001), and took longer to seek care (p= 0.048). Feelings of guilt, shame, and the perception of violence were similar between the groups. In the late group (n= 279), there was greater consumption of alcohol during the aggression (p= 0,005); they received significantly more prophylaxis treatments; reported more physical symptoms (p= 0.033), sleep disorders (p= 0.003), symptoms of anxiety (p= 0.045), and feelings of anguish (p= 0.011); and had more prescriptions of psychotropics (p= 0.005). Only 52% completed the 6-month follow-up, with no differences between the groups.
The age groups showed differences in the characteristics of the episodes of violence; early adolescents took longer to seek help, and the late group presented more intense symptoms and psychological worsening during the follow-up. Measures of prevention and specific care aimed at this population are needed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):667-677
, , , , , , To compare the sexual violence suffered by women in early and late adolescence, the reactions triggered after the aggression, and the care provided.
A retrospective study in which we reviewed the medical records of 521 female adolescents treated by a multidisciplinary team at a reference hospital in the city of Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil. We analyzed sociodemographic variables, and those pertainin to the characteristics of the episodes of violence, the emergency care, and the physical and psychological reactions observed during the follow-up. For the analysis, the sample was divided into groups of early (10 to 14 years) and late (15 to 18 years) adolescence. We used the Chi-squared/Fisher Exact, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the groups; the level of significance adopted was 5%.
The early group (n= 242) contained more adolescents who were enrolled in school (p< 0.001), suffered more daytime aggressions (p= 0.031), in their residences (p< 0.001), by an aggressor with whom they were acquainted (p< 0.001), had greater need of legal protection (p= 0.001), and took longer to seek care (p= 0.048). Feelings of guilt, shame, and the perception of violence were similar between the groups. In the late group (n= 279), there was greater consumption of alcohol during the aggression (p= 0,005); they received significantly more prophylaxis treatments; reported more physical symptoms (p= 0.033), sleep disorders (p= 0.003), symptoms of anxiety (p= 0.045), and feelings of anguish (p= 0.011); and had more prescriptions of psychotropics (p= 0.005). Only 52% completed the 6-month follow-up, with no differences between the groups.
The age groups showed differences in the characteristics of the episodes of violence; early adolescents took longer to seek help, and the late group presented more intense symptoms and psychological worsening during the follow-up. Measures of prevention and specific care aimed at this population are needed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(4):425-433
Diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during adolescence is challenging since normal pubertal development overlap typical features of this syndrome. The authors aim to summarize the existing evidence concerning PCOS in adolescence, particularly its diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options. A search throughout medical databases such as PubMed and MedScape was performed. Diagnostic criteria include irregular menstrual cycles according to time postmenarche and evidence of clinical hyperandrogenism and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, provided other causes have been excluded. Polycystic ovarianmorphology ought not to be used as a diagnostic criterion. Treatment should targetmanifestations and/or comorbidities, even in the absence of a definite diagnosis. Lifestyle interventions are the first-line treatment. Combined oral contraceptives, metformin or antiandrogens may also be considered as adjuvants. Screening for PCOS in adolescence is crucial as it allows an early intervention on the symptoms and comorbidities presented leading to better long-term reproductive and metabolic outcomes.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(4):425-433
Diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during adolescence is challenging since normal pubertal development overlap typical features of this syndrome. The authors aim to summarize the existing evidence concerning PCOS in adolescence, particularly its diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options. A search throughout medical databases such as PubMed and MedScape was performed. Diagnostic criteria include irregular menstrual cycles according to time postmenarche and evidence of clinical hyperandrogenism and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, provided other causes have been excluded. Polycystic ovarianmorphology ought not to be used as a diagnostic criterion. Treatment should targetmanifestations and/or comorbidities, even in the absence of a definite diagnosis. Lifestyle interventions are the first-line treatment. Combined oral contraceptives, metformin or antiandrogens may also be considered as adjuvants. Screening for PCOS in adolescence is crucial as it allows an early intervention on the symptoms and comorbidities presented leading to better long-term reproductive and metabolic outcomes.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(10):789-792
Abnormal uterine bleeding is more frequent in adolescence. Although, most commonly, it has a non-structural etiology, it may be due to any cause described.
A 12-year-old adolescent, with no relevant personal history, menarche 1 month before, was observed in the emergency department for severemenstrual bleeding with progressive worsening, and hemodynamic repercussion in need of transfusion support. Physiological ovulatory dysfunction associated with possible previously unknown coagulopathy was considered to be the most likely diagnosis and medical treatment was initiated. Without response, the patient was submitted to sedated observation and uterine aspiration, which ultimately led to the diagnosis of a Burkitt Lymphoma.
Although structural causes, and particularly malignancy, whether gynecological or not, are a rare cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in this age group, they must be considered, thus enhancing the fastest and most appropriate treatment.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(10):789-792
Abnormal uterine bleeding is more frequent in adolescence. Although, most commonly, it has a non-structural etiology, it may be due to any cause described.
A 12-year-old adolescent, with no relevant personal history, menarche 1 month before, was observed in the emergency department for severemenstrual bleeding with progressive worsening, and hemodynamic repercussion in need of transfusion support. Physiological ovulatory dysfunction associated with possible previously unknown coagulopathy was considered to be the most likely diagnosis and medical treatment was initiated. Without response, the patient was submitted to sedated observation and uterine aspiration, which ultimately led to the diagnosis of a Burkitt Lymphoma.
Although structural causes, and particularly malignancy, whether gynecological or not, are a rare cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in this age group, they must be considered, thus enhancing the fastest and most appropriate treatment.
, , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(6):429-435
, , , , To evaluate serum levels of adiponectin in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation.
A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 67 normal pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and eutrophic (body mass index [BMI]: 18.5-25 kg/m2), of which 36 were adolescents (< 20 years old) and 31 adults (≥ 20 years old). Serum adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The t-student or Mann-Whitney tests were used for intergroup comparison.
Pregnant adolescents showed significantly higher serum adiponectin concentrations comparedwith pregnant adults (p=0.04). No differences were observed in adiponectin levels in younger pregnant adolescents (< 16 years old) compared with older pregnant adolescents (≥ 16 years old). Adiponectin values were divided into 3 subgroups:<3,000 ng/mL, between 3,000 and 5,000 ng/mL, and>5,000 ng/mL. Birthweight was significantly higher in women>5,000 ng/mL when compared with<3,000 ng/mL in the adolescent group. No association between pregestational adiponectin levels and BMI, gestational weight gain, and gestational age was observed; however, there was a positive relation with birthweight (p=0.0239).
Serum adiponectin values in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation were higher compared with pregnant adults; however, no differences between younger and older pregnant adolescents were observed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(6):429-435
, , , , To evaluate serum levels of adiponectin in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation.
A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 67 normal pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and eutrophic (body mass index [BMI]: 18.5-25 kg/m2), of which 36 were adolescents (< 20 years old) and 31 adults (≥ 20 years old). Serum adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The t-student or Mann-Whitney tests were used for intergroup comparison.
Pregnant adolescents showed significantly higher serum adiponectin concentrations comparedwith pregnant adults (p=0.04). No differences were observed in adiponectin levels in younger pregnant adolescents (< 16 years old) compared with older pregnant adolescents (≥ 16 years old). Adiponectin values were divided into 3 subgroups:<3,000 ng/mL, between 3,000 and 5,000 ng/mL, and>5,000 ng/mL. Birthweight was significantly higher in women>5,000 ng/mL when compared with<3,000 ng/mL in the adolescent group. No association between pregestational adiponectin levels and BMI, gestational weight gain, and gestational age was observed; however, there was a positive relation with birthweight (p=0.0239).
Serum adiponectin values in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation were higher compared with pregnant adults; however, no differences between younger and older pregnant adolescents were observed.
, , , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(11):731-738
, , , , , , Adolescence is characterized by significant biological and psychological changes. During this time, the increased production of androgens leads to increased sexual behavior, and this may contribute to early initiation of sexual activity. The objectives of the present cross-sectional study of adolescents enrolled in state schools in the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil, were to determine the average age at the first sexual intercourse (sexarche), the average number of sexual partners, and the frequency of contraceptive and condom use. Information on the age at sexarche, number of sexual partners, use of different contraceptive methods, and use of condoms were obtained using a semistructured questionnaire. Quantitative variables are expressed as means and standard deviations (SDs), and qualitative variables as absolute and relative frequencies. The chi-squared test was used for comparisons of qualitative variables, and the Student t-test for comparisons of continuous variables. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS (version 9.4, North Carolina State University, USA). We evaluated 202 students who answered the questionnaire, 69 males (36.36%) and 133 females (63.64%). The age at sexarche for men ranged from 7 to 18 years old, and for women from 7 to 17 years old. Forty-eight girls (36.01%) and 21 boys (30.43%) were in the first year of high school, 66.94% of adolescents reported sexual intercourse, and 56.25% used a condom during the first sexual intercourse. A total of 36.72% of students said they had safe sex most of the time, and 83.59% said that the first sexual intercourse happened because they “had a crush on” the other person.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(11):731-738
, , , , , , Adolescence is characterized by significant biological and psychological changes. During this time, the increased production of androgens leads to increased sexual behavior, and this may contribute to early initiation of sexual activity. The objectives of the present cross-sectional study of adolescents enrolled in state schools in the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil, were to determine the average age at the first sexual intercourse (sexarche), the average number of sexual partners, and the frequency of contraceptive and condom use. Information on the age at sexarche, number of sexual partners, use of different contraceptive methods, and use of condoms were obtained using a semistructured questionnaire. Quantitative variables are expressed as means and standard deviations (SDs), and qualitative variables as absolute and relative frequencies. The chi-squared test was used for comparisons of qualitative variables, and the Student t-test for comparisons of continuous variables. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS (version 9.4, North Carolina State University, USA). We evaluated 202 students who answered the questionnaire, 69 males (36.36%) and 133 females (63.64%). The age at sexarche for men ranged from 7 to 18 years old, and for women from 7 to 17 years old. Forty-eight girls (36.01%) and 21 boys (30.43%) were in the first year of high school, 66.94% of adolescents reported sexual intercourse, and 56.25% used a condom during the first sexual intercourse. A total of 36.72% of students said they had safe sex most of the time, and 83.59% said that the first sexual intercourse happened because they “had a crush on” the other person.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(10):599-605
We have evaluated the prevalence of and the motivating factors behind the refusal to provide reproductive health services and the ethical knowledge of the subject among medical students from the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
The present cross-sectional study involved 120 medical students. A questionnaire was utilized. The dependent variables were students’ objections (or not) regarding three clinical reproductive health cases: abortion provided by law, contraceptive guidance to an adolescent without parental consent, and prescription of emergency contraception. The independent variables were age, gender, religion, ethical value, degree of religiosity, and attendance at worship services. Ethical knowledge comprised an obligation to state the reasons for the objection, report possible alternatives, and referral to another professional. Data were analyzed with χ2 tests and t-tests with a significance level of 5%.
Abortion, contraception to adolescents, and emergency contraception were refused by 35.8%, 17.5%, and 5.8% of the students, respectively. High religiosity (p < 0.001) and higher attendance at worship services (p = 0.034) were predictors of refusing abortion. Refusal to provide contraception to adolescents was significantly higher among women than men (p = 0.037). Furthermore, 25% would not explain the reason for the refusal, 15% would not describe all the procedures used, and 25% would not refer the patient to another professional.
Abortion provided by law was the most objectionable situation. The motivating factors for this refusal were high commitment and religiosity. A reasonable portion of the students did not demonstrate ethical knowledge about the subject.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(10):599-605
We have evaluated the prevalence of and the motivating factors behind the refusal to provide reproductive health services and the ethical knowledge of the subject among medical students from the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
The present cross-sectional study involved 120 medical students. A questionnaire was utilized. The dependent variables were students’ objections (or not) regarding three clinical reproductive health cases: abortion provided by law, contraceptive guidance to an adolescent without parental consent, and prescription of emergency contraception. The independent variables were age, gender, religion, ethical value, degree of religiosity, and attendance at worship services. Ethical knowledge comprised an obligation to state the reasons for the objection, report possible alternatives, and referral to another professional. Data were analyzed with χ2 tests and t-tests with a significance level of 5%.
Abortion, contraception to adolescents, and emergency contraception were refused by 35.8%, 17.5%, and 5.8% of the students, respectively. High religiosity (p < 0.001) and higher attendance at worship services (p = 0.034) were predictors of refusing abortion. Refusal to provide contraception to adolescents was significantly higher among women than men (p = 0.037). Furthermore, 25% would not explain the reason for the refusal, 15% would not describe all the procedures used, and 25% would not refer the patient to another professional.
Abortion provided by law was the most objectionable situation. The motivating factors for this refusal were high commitment and religiosity. A reasonable portion of the students did not demonstrate ethical knowledge about the subject.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(8):437-443
To evaluate the social, obstetric and psychological risk factors related to repeat pregnancy in teenagers.
A case control study conducted at Centro de Atenção à Saúde Integral da Mulher (Caism, in the Portuguese acronym), in Campinas, Brazil, from 2015 to 2017. Three groups were selected: a case-group of adolescents who had repeat pregnancy and two control-groups, one consisting of adolescents who had delivered at first time and another one of adult women with more than one deliveries. Participants were asked about habits, socio-demographics characteristics, reproductive and obstetric history and assessed psychological issues.
Ninety women were enrolled, 30 in each study group. Adolescents with repeat pregnancy have lower self-esteem scores and more ineffective contraceptive use. When compared with teens at first delivery, they had less schooling level (odds ratio [OR] 4.03 [1.37-11.8]), more school abandon (OR 8.16 [2.36-28.2]) and drugs use (OR 4.97[1.39-17.8]). Non-white skin color (OR 6.2 [1.15-41.0]), drugs use (OR 17.5 [2.62-116.6]) and first sexual intercourse under 15y (OR 18.0[2.82-115.0]) were found as higher risk factors for repeat pregnancy when comparing adolescents and adults.Moreover, adolescents withmore than one gestation had lower self-esteem and greater susceptibility to unplanned pregnancy.
There was an association between repeat pregnancy among adolescents and lower education, early onset of sexual activity, non-white skin color, low use of contraception and increased use of drugs.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(8):437-443
To evaluate the social, obstetric and psychological risk factors related to repeat pregnancy in teenagers.
A case control study conducted at Centro de Atenção à Saúde Integral da Mulher (Caism, in the Portuguese acronym), in Campinas, Brazil, from 2015 to 2017. Three groups were selected: a case-group of adolescents who had repeat pregnancy and two control-groups, one consisting of adolescents who had delivered at first time and another one of adult women with more than one deliveries. Participants were asked about habits, socio-demographics characteristics, reproductive and obstetric history and assessed psychological issues.
Ninety women were enrolled, 30 in each study group. Adolescents with repeat pregnancy have lower self-esteem scores and more ineffective contraceptive use. When compared with teens at first delivery, they had less schooling level (odds ratio [OR] 4.03 [1.37-11.8]), more school abandon (OR 8.16 [2.36-28.2]) and drugs use (OR 4.97[1.39-17.8]). Non-white skin color (OR 6.2 [1.15-41.0]), drugs use (OR 17.5 [2.62-116.6]) and first sexual intercourse under 15y (OR 18.0[2.82-115.0]) were found as higher risk factors for repeat pregnancy when comparing adolescents and adults.Moreover, adolescents withmore than one gestation had lower self-esteem and greater susceptibility to unplanned pregnancy.
There was an association between repeat pregnancy among adolescents and lower education, early onset of sexual activity, non-white skin color, low use of contraception and increased use of drugs.