CONTRACEPTION AWARENESS AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND THE ROLE OF FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Sexual health is the right of every individual to practice a responsible and safe sexual life without coercion, discrimination or violence. This right applies to all genders and ages, including adolescents, and emphasizes the importance of access to accurate health information and effective contraceptive methods. In the context of health education about sexual maturation and the relationship with contraception, a balanced approach to education is required during the personal development of adolescents and awareness of the need for reproductive health.For the purposes of the study, students of the specialty “Midwifery” at Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. A. Zlatarov”, together with a teacher, prepared a presentation providing information about sexual maturation and the importance of preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy through the use of contraceptive methods. An anonymous survey was also conducted among students aged 15 to 18 in schools in the villages of Tranak and Ruen, Burgas region; their teachers; students of the specialty “Midwifery” - second, third, fourth year of Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. A. Zlatarov”. The subject of the study is to monitor the knowledge and awareness of students about methods of contraception and its importance for the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents.The results show that according to student midwives and teachers, students are informed mostly from the Internet, since the Internet is easily accessible and provides a quick answer and, above all, offers anonymity.The teachers’ observations determine an average level of awareness among students about the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy when not using a condom. According to the students, students show a low level of awareness about the risk of STIs and early pregnancy. For the students themselves (45.4%), there is a “high” risk of unwanted pregnancy when not using a condom, however, 25.9% are not aware that such a risk exists. 39% of students assess the risk of sexually transmitted infections when not using a condom, 26.2% are unaware of the existence of this risk. This confirms the need for health education programs on barrier methods of contraception (such as condoms) to prevent sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancy.A significant part of 78.9% of students welcome the provision of additional training on contraception, presented by students majoring in Midwifery, following the “peer-to-peer” method.Conclusion: Sexual and reproductive health is an essential and irrevocable aspect of human development and maturity throughout life, requiring access to information and care, awareness of risks and ways to prevent adverse consequences.