Life Skills in Adolescence: An Experience Report from the PET-Psychology/UFJF Program Focusing on the Prevention of Early Pregnancy

Abstract

Early pregnancy is a public health issue that significantly impacts adolescents, their families, and the community at large, justifying intervention actions. The objective was to implement and evaluate an intervention with a focus on promoting life skills (WHO), aimed at early pregnancy prevention and to raise sensibility about sexual risk factors in adolescence. The activity was carried out throughout four meetings with approximately 70 students from three 7th-grade classes at a public school in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, and a follow-up meeting eight months after the intervention. The intervention was positively evaluated by the participants, who indicated, through an evaluation questionnaire, an expansion of knowledge about life skills, as well as contributions to the understanding of early pregnancy, its risks, and forms of prevention. In the follow-up action, most students maintained positive perceptions of the action carried out, indicating appropriation of knowledge and its importance for daily life. It is suggested that similar initiatives be implemented in the school context, considering their potential for preventing risky sexual behaviors and their focus on promoting health and expanding life skills. This extension activity’s limitations and possible contributions are discussed.