Abstract:

Adolescence is a period of young people sexual development. It is highly influenced by factors such as school, family context, cultural environment and peer group participation. During this phase of psychosocial development, young people tend to have risk behaviour especially towards Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). These account for the most prevalent health problems in almost all countries. In general, sexuality, given the nature of the subject, is poorly addressed by parents and educators. In addition, adolescent seek advice from peers with low consistency and quality of information received. Under this scenario, in 2009, a basic formation course in sexual and reproductive health was offered to polytechnic and university students of Faculdade Integrada da Grande Fortaleza, Brazil and Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal. Students were invited to join the Basic Course in Sexual and Reproductive Health and to further participate in a peer-led sexual education programme. The course was offered through distance learning (DL) using TelEduc software. It lasted 45 days and enrolled 20 Brazilian and 20 Portuguese students on a voluntary basis. The course was based on students discussing chosen topics mediated by lecturers of both universities. Compact discs (CDs) with reading materials distributed to students served as starting point for discussions in chats, videoconferences and discussion forums as well as individual and group assignments. Students filled in a pre and post-test questionnaire. During the course, students could exchange experiences, knowledge and cultural beliefs regarding STDs and its risks, anticonceptive methods, condom use, unplanned pregnancy and access to health services. From evaluation results became clear that: 1) young people do not have access, neither at university or local health services, to a specific place where they could get counselling to discuss openly their doubts and fears about sexual and reproductive issues;2) regarding contraceptive methods, use of oral contraceptive pill is less controversial to be accepted by young people than condom use. The main reason is the interference it has on sexual intercourse. New technologies can and should be used to enhance knowledge and behaviour change towards safe sex among young people. The International Cooperation project continues aiming to extend this experience to other Portuguese speaking countries.

Keywords:

Distance education, reproductive health, adolescence.