Contraceptive practices in the academic context of a private university in the city of Belém

Abstract

Introduction: Contraception plays a crucial role in promoting female autonomy, allowing women to plan and make essential decisions about their reproductive health. In Brazil, the diversity of contraceptive methods reflects a complex scenario where social, cultural and economic factors influence women's choices (Diniz and Cabral, 2022). Objective: To identify the contraceptive methods used by university students. Material and Methods: This quantitative and descriptive study involved 305 university women aged between 18 and 40 and was carried out at a private higher education institution in the city of Belém, Pará, from November 2024 to February 2025. Data collection was carried out by applying an online questionnaire on Google Forms, which took approximately 15 minutes to complete, in addition to the Informed Consent Form (ICF), which the participants signed in accordance with ethical requirements. This study followed the guidelines established by Resolution 466/2012 of the National Health Council, which regulates research involving human beings. The project was submitted to UNAMA's Research Ethics Committee and approved under CAAE: 84167524.2.0000.5173 and Opinion No. 7.187.15. Results: According to the sociodemographic profile of the university students, 63.93% of the participants were aged between 21 and 30 and were in a relationship (53.11%), with an income of up to 3 minimum wages (65.57%) and were graduating in health courses (69.18%). In addition, 70.49% said they used some method and 29.50% did not. The four main methods mentioned were: condoms (23.60%), the contraceptive pill (21.31%), the combination of condoms with another hormonal method (11.47%) and injections (6.22%). Conclusion: Therefore, the study revealed significant data on the health and sex life of university women, with the identification of a high prevalence of contraceptive use, related to the search for knowledge and professional improvement, which is often associated with the need to postpone motherhood or not have children, given that the use of contraceptive methods is directly related to the level of education, being more frequent among women with a higher level of education.