Using a comprehensive sexuality education framework to analyse the contents of a Brazilian adolescent health handbook

Abstract

This study set out to analyse the sexuality contents of the Caderneta de Saúde do Adolescente, an adolescent health handbook developed for use in Brazil. Using content analysis, the adequacy of the document was assessed using an approach informed by the International Planned Parenthood Federations comprehensive sexuality education theoretical framework. Findings suggest that six out of the seven categories present within this framework were partially covered, with the handbook providing information on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and contraception. Certain key concepts were, however, discussed differently in the male and female versions of the handbook, the handbook does not address gender issues, and has very limited coverage of sexual diversity. The adolescent health handbook was a tool created to help young Brazilians to better understand what it is like to be young person, explaining some of the physical and psychological changes that occurs at this time. However, with respect to sexuality, some changes are appropriate to increase the comprehensiveness of the sexuality education that the resource provides.

Keywords:

• Adolescent health
• health policy
• Caderneta de Saúde do Adolescente
• comprehensive sexual education
• Brazil
• content analysis

Acknowledgements

This study was not supported by a specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. Both authors contributed significantly to the work and neither has it been published previously.