No cenário da educação relativo à saúde, as questões sexuais são responsáveis por uma série de fatores que podem tanto contribuir com a promoção da saúde sexual e reprodutiva quanto a levar os indivíduos a transtornos severos. Caso não exista uma política de abertura para lidar com esses problemas, principalmente na adolescência, de forma dialogada, sincera e honesta, cabe ao enfermeiro compreender que a sexualidade e seus diversos desdobramentos dependem de uma série de condições econômicas, ambientais, socioculturais propícias, entre outros, como condicionantes e/ou determinantes da condição de saúde. Objetivo: Identificar o significado de sexualidade, violência sexual e educação sexual junto aos professores atuantes no ensino fundamental de uma escola pública do Estado do Paraná, procurando desenvolver conjuntamente com eles, um programa educativo visando instrumentalizá-los para a ação educativa neste sentido. Metodologia: Pesquisa qualitativa, mediatizada pela pesquisa-ação, que permite levantar problemas e, propor posteriormente ações educativas. Para a coleta de dados utilizamos a entrevista, com a aplicação de questionário e a observação participante com o uso do diário de campo. A amostra foi constituída por 23 professores do ensino fundamental de uma cidade do interior paranaense. Adotamos como critérios de inclusão: ser professor efetivo, atuar no ensino fundamental e aceitar participar, voluntariamente, do estudo. Análise dos dados: esses foram levantados, através das respostas emanadas pelos participantes da pesquisa. Foram trabalhados qualitativamente e, portanto, por categorização, permitindo o agrupamento de todos os elementos convergentes e/ou divergentes, apropriados e/ou ajustados às reflexões, de acordo com a discussão, associados aos dados obtidos no estudo. Resultados: Depreendemos que a maioria dos professores pesquisados relacionou o conceito de sexualidade ao ato sexual. Destacaram que os pais ainda possuem dificuldades em discutir o assunto no contexto familiar. Reconheceram a existência de inúmeras dificuldades em discutir a temática na escola. Os professores percebem que na sociedade contemporânea há uma intensa valorização do ato sexual, contribuindo para a vivência de uma sexualidade narcisista, imediatista e individualista. Demonstraram vasta consciência social sobre a influência das estruturas sociais na disseminação da violência sexual. Apontaram que a principal dificuldade na abordagem sobre sexualidade em sala de aula relaciona-se ao seu despreparo e falta de conhecimento sobre o assunto. Reconheceram que não há um programa específico sobre a temática sexual, além da ênfase na importância da interação da família na elaboração e implementação da educação sexual no espaço escolar. Portanto consideramos que a enfermagem enquanto prática social deve ocupar efetivamente o espaço escolar contribuindo para o preparo dos professores no enfrentamento desse grande desafio que é a educação sexual, pois mesmo com os diversos dispositivos legais esta prática não tem sido efetiva e ainda perpetua-se a visão biologicista em detrimento de uma educação libertadora, dialógica, crítica e transformadora. / In the educational scenario, relating to health, the sexual matters are responsible for a succession of factors which can head individuals to severe perturbation. If there is no political discussion to deal with those problems, mainly in the adolescence, in a dialogued way, sincere and honest, it is the nurse who is in charge of understanding that the sexuality and its several unfolding depend on a series of financial, environmental, socio-cultural conditions, among others, as conditioning and/or determinant of the health condition. Aim: Identify the meaning of sexuality, sexual violence and sexual education in a partnership with the teachers from the elementary school of a public school in the state of Paraná, developing with them an educational program aiming for give them tools enough to work in this sense with educational actions. Methods: Qualitative researching, under the actionsearching, which allow us surveying some problems and then suggest some educational actions. We used the interview, with a questionnaire, to survey the data, and also the observation of the participant, using the diary fields. The sample was constituted by 23 teachers of the elementary school from a town in the countryside of Paraná. We adopted as inclusion criteria: being teacher currently, working in the elementary school and accepting being part of the study, voluntarily. Data Analysis: these were surveyed through the answers given by the participants of the searching. They were analyzed qualitively and, therefore, by categorization, allowing the grouping of all converging and/or diverging elements, proper and/or adjusted to the reflections, according to the discussion, associated by the obtained data from the study. Results: We inferred that the majority of the interviewed teachers understand the concept of sexuality as the sex act itself. They highlighted that the parents still have some difficulties discussing this matter in the familiar context. They recognized that there are countless difficulties discussing this issue at school. Teachers noticed that, nowadays, in the society there is a strong valuation of the sex act, contributing to the existing of a narcissist, imediatist and individualist sexuality. They showed a wide social consciousness about the influence of the social structures in the spreading of the sexual violence. They also pointed the main difficult approaching about the sexuality in the classroom, their own lack of preparation and knowledge about this matter. They acknowledged that there is no specified program about sexuality, but the emphasis in the importance of the family interaction in the developing and application of the sexual education inside the school environment. Therefore, we consider that nursing, as a social activity, must, effectively, take part in the school environment contributing for the teachers preparation to face this huge challenge, the sexual education, because even with several legal mechanisms, this practice has not been effective and it still remains the biologistic view to the detriment of a liberating, dialogical, critical and a transforming education.

Embora o dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) seja pouco usado no Brasil, ele é o método contraceptivo reversível mais usado no mundo. Trata-se de um método seguro, altamente eficaz e com resultados positivos na saúde das populações. Por meio da prevenção de gestações não planejadas, atua na redução da morbidade e mortalidade materna, mortalidade infantil e abortos inseguros. Pesquisas recentes, contudo, mostram que o acesso ao DIU nos serviços de Atenção Básica à Saúde nem sempre é facilitado, sendo permeado por barreiras organizacionais que contribuem para sua subutilização. Tais barreiras podem restringir o pleno exercício dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos das mulheres brasileiras. Objetivo: Identificar barreiras organizacionais para disponibilização do DIU nos serviços de Atenção Básica à Saúde e elaborar, como produto desta dissertação, uma síntese destas barreiras, destinada aos gestores de saúde, com suas implicações e recomendações. Método: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio do preenchimento de um instrumento estruturado, online, pelos 79 profissionais responsáveis pela área técnica de Saúde da Mulher. O cenário do estudo foi a macrorregião Sul de Minas Gerais. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do software Stata, versão 14.0, e descrita por meio de número absoluto e proporções. Resultados: A maioria dos municípios possui protocolo de atenção à saúde da mulher (55,7%). Destes, 77,3% elaboraram seu próprio protocolo, mas 29,6% não treinaram a equipe de saúde para usá-lo. Dentre todos os municípios participantes, 15,2% não disponibilizam DIU, sendo que alguns também não referenciam a mulher para outros serviços (8,3%). Dentre aqueles que disponibilizam o DIU, a grande maioria não possui protocolo específico (68,7%); uma parcela não adota a gravidez como condição impossibilitante da inserção do DIU (10,5%) e, por outro lado, adotam condições menos relevantes como infecção vaginal (80,6%). Como critério para acesso ao DIU, 86,5% referiram prescrição médica, 71,6% realização de exames, 44,6% idade acima de 18 anos e 24,4% participação em grupos. Como exames necessários, foi citado o Papanicolaou (94,7%), teste de gravidez (63,2%) e exame de sangue (29,8%). Quanto ao local de disponibilização, 83,7% não o disponibilizam nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Como profissional que insere o DIU, 97,0% referiram médico e nenhum citou o enfermeiro. Quanto aos grupos de planejamento reprodutivo, 43,0% dos municípios não os realizam. Por fim, 86,1% dos trabalhadores reportaram não haver dificuldades para obtenção do DIU. Conclusão: Foram identificadas barreiras organizacionais que dizem respeito ao uso de protocolos, também barreiras relacionadas à disponibilização e inserção do DIU, e barreiras relativas aos grupos de planejamento reprodutivo. / Introduction: Although the intrauterine device (IUD) is little used in Brazil, it is the most used reversible contraceptive method in the world. It is about a safe method, highly effective and with positive results in the health of populations. By means of preventing unplanned pregnancies, it works to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, infant mortality and unsafe abortions. Recent research, however, show that access to IUD in Primary Health Attention services is not always facilitated, being permeated by organizational barriers that contribute to their underutilization. Such barriers may restrict the full exercise of sexual and reproductive rights of Brazilian women. Objective: To identify organizational barriers for providing IUD in the Primary Health Attention services and elaborate, as a product of this dissertation, a summary of these barriers, which is intended for health managers, with their implications and recommendations. Method: Qualitative, descriptive study. Data collection was performed by completing, online, a structured instrument, by 79 professionals responsible for the technical field of Womens Health. The study setting was the macro-region in the southern of Minas Gerais. Data analysis was performed using Stata software, version 14.0, and described by absolute number and proportions. Results: Most municipalities have attention protocol to womens health (55.7%). Of these, 77.3% developed its own protocol, but 29.6% did not train health staff to use it. Among all participating municipalities, 15.2% do not offer IUD, and some did not refer women to other services (8.3%). Among those, which provide the IUD, the vast majority do not have specific protocol (68.7%); a portion does not adopt pregnancy as an impeditive condition of insertion of the IUD (10.5%) and, on the other hand, adopt less relevant conditions such as vaginal infection (80.6%). As a criterion for accessing the IUD, 86.5% reported prescription, 71.6% exams, 44.6% aged over 18 years old and 24.4% participation in groups. As required exams, it was quoted the Pap smear (94.7%), pregnancy test (63,2%) and blood tests (29,8%). As a place of availability, 83.7% do not provide in the Basic Health Units. As a professional to insert the IUD, 97.0% reported the doctor and none cited the nurse. Municipalities do not realize reproductive planning group at 43.0%. Finally, 86.1% of workers reported not having difficulties in obtaining the IUD. Conclusion: Organizational barriers were identified concerning the use of protocols, also barriers related to the availability and IUD insertion, and barriers related to the reproductive planning groups.

The increased rate of teenagers suffering from reproductive healthcare -related conditions is a global phenomenon. An estimated 16 million teenage girls aged between 15 and 19 years give birth every year with 95% of these births occurring in the developing countries. In South Africa one notes from recorded statistics that 20000 school going teenagers fell pregnant in South Africa during 2014. These statistics left many questions to be answered in terms of what information school going teenage girls do receive at school. Formally the current school curriculum in South Africa includes a subject around life skills orientation which is known as Life Orientation Programme and in which learners are introduced to reproductive healthcare from grade 7; but a persistent increase in the rate of pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections amongst school going teenage girls is observed. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge of school going teenage girls regarding reproductive healthcare and services in the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were:-to determine and explore the knowledge of school going teenage girls regarding reproductive healthcare in the Eastern Cape Province; -to determine the nature of information given to school going teenage girls regarding reproductive healthcare through the school Life-Orientation programme; and,-based on the results of the entire study, develop guidelines that could assist the stakeholders in health and education professions in enhancing of knowledge regarding reproductive healthcare of school going teenage girls and improving their access to related services. A quantitative design with a descriptive, exploratory and contextual approach was used. A survey was conducted and the data -collection tool was a self-administered, structured questionnaire developed by the researcher with the assistance of the supervisor and the statistician. Validity and reliability were assured before data collection commenced. A convenience, non-probability sampling method was used to collect data from schoolgoing teenage girls that gave permission to participate and met the inclusion criteria of:- schools having school going teenage girls between the ages of 12 and 19 years in the Eastern Cape Province, - being within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality areaand the Sarah Baartman district and -the schoolgoing teenage girls being in grades 10 to 12. Data was collected in September 2016 from a total of 314 teenagers who participated and returned the completed questionnaires. The data was captured by the researcher and analysed using a Microsoft excel programme created by the statistician for data - analysis purposes. STATISTICA Version 12 computer software application was used. The study results revealed that learners received some reproductive healthcare related education in Life-orientationprogramme lessons; but the information was seen as insufficient. Parents were telling them about their body development; but were not discussing reproductive healthcare issues with them. Participants did not know how to use the different methods of contraceptives correctly though they knew about the methods. Participants did not know about other signs of complications of reproductive healthcare as they did not know how to identify sexually-transmitted infections, breast and vaginal infections and related problems. Based on the above study results guidelines wasdeveloped as the necessary tool to facilitate the enhancement of schoolgoing girls’ knowledge regarding reproductive healthcare in the Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted the Belmont Report principles, namely, respect for persons, beneficence and justice, to enhance ethical considerations.

The situation of the Brazilian reality in health has been constituted to multidetermined phenomena; it has remained important and serious social problems and reproductive health among teenagers. The inopportune pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) diseases . These two items show the need to strongly connect the areas of health and education in order to conduct the promotion and health education aimed, in this case, sexual and reproductive health of teenagers. Objective: to analyze the results of operations and the performance of a health professional , as an educator in Teenager Health , especially in sexual and reproductive area , by students of a municipal school in Santa Maria / RS . Methods: exploratory and descriptive research, the type quantity / quality. In school year 2013, 17 meetings / interventions of health professionals of a Family Health Strategy (fortnightly periodicity) with 32 teenagers aged between 12 and 14 years were performed . It has used a participatory methodology and applied a pre and post-test questionnaire and individual interviews. Results and discussion: Project added knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. It was found that the performance of combined actions (health and school) may contribute to the development of more informed and more critically reflective teenagers, especially when it comes to issues of complex approach, not included in the formal curriculum. Working with sensitive issues related to sexual and reproductive health, in a dynamic, honest and participatory approach it can be an efficient strategy to promote behavior change towards sexuality of teenagers. Final Thoughts: through this study, we realized the importance of the implementation of a participatory and continuous education, offered by qualified and licensed personnel working with sexual and reproductive health. / A conjuntura da realidade brasileira em saúde tem se constituído de fenômenos multideterminados; perduram importantes e graves problemas sociais e de saúde reprodutiva entre os adolescentes. Podem-se citar a gravidez inoportuna e as Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (DSTs). Esses dois itens evidenciam a necessidade de conectar, fortemente, as áreas da saúde e da educação, a fim de efetivar a promoção e educação em saúde visando, nesse caso, à saúde sexual e reprodutiva dos adolescentes. Objetivo: analisar os resultados de intervenções e a atuação de um profissional da saúde, como educador em Saúde do Adolescente, principalmente, na área reprodutiva e sexual, com alunos de uma escola municipal de Santa Maria/RS. Métodos: pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, do tipo quanti/qualitativo. Durante o ano letivo de 2013, foram realizados 17 encontros/ intervenções de profissionais da saúde de uma Estratégia Saúde da Família (periodicidade quinzenal), com 32 adolescentes, com idade entre 12 e 14 anos. Utilizou-se a metodologia participativa. Aplicou-se um questionário pré e pós-teste e entrevista individual. Resultados e discussão: o Projeto acrescentou conhecimentos sobre a saúde sexual e reprodutiva. Verificou-se que a realização de ações combinadas (saúde e escola) pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento de adolescentes mais informados e criticamente mais reflexivos, principalmente, quando se trata de temas de abordagem complexa e não contemplados em currículo formal. O trabalho com temas sensíveis relacionados à saúde sexual e reprodutiva, em uma abordagem dinâmica, honesta e participativa pode constituir-se em estratégia eficiente para promover possíveis mudanças de comportamento dos adolescentes frente à sexualidade. Considerações finais: por meio deste estudo, percebeu-se a relevância da execução de ações educativas participativas e continuadas, ofertadas por pessoal qualificado e habilitado a trabalhar com saúde sexual e reprodutiva.

Av de kvinnor som genomgår vaginalförlossning drabbas 85% av förlossningsbristningar, och följderna av dessa kan variera från lätta besvär till svåra komplikationer. En förutsättning för att kvinnan ska få rätt behandling är en korrekt diagnostik. Majoriteten av bristningarna handläggs av barnmorskor, och tidigare forskning har visat att kunskapen och kompetensen inom området varierar. Studiens syfte var att kartlägga svårigheter i barnmorskors arbete med att undersöka och bedöma vaginalbristningar efter förlossning. En enkätundersökning med barnmorskor som handlagt 72 förlossningar på en mellanstor förlossningsklinik vid ett svenskt sjukhus genomfördes under en period av 7 veckor. Resultatet visade att de vanligaste hindren vid granskning av bristningar var blödning och smärta hos patienten och de vanligaste svårigheterna var att identifiera strukturer och vävnader i bristningen. I en fjärdedel av fallen tog handläggande barnmorska stöd av kollega eller läkare, och några barnmorskor skattade sin kunskap och kompetens inom området som otillräcklig. Behovet av kollegialt stöd och av fortbildning och träning uttrycktes hos barnmorskor med både kort och lång erfarenhet. Det finns ett behov av fortsatt forskning om blödning som hinder för bedömning av förlossningsbristningar och av utvärdering av smärtlindringsmetoder. / Of all women undergoing vaginal birth, 85% sustain some form of perineal trauma and the consequences vary from smaller problems to severe complications. An accurate diagnosis of the trauma is necessary for it to be adequately treated. A majority of the perineal and vaginal ruptures are managed by midwives, and earlier research has shown that there is a considerable variation in midwives knowledge and skills concerning perineal trauma. The aim of this study was to explore difficulties in midwives examinations and assessments of perineal trauma following vaginal birth. A survey with midwives attending 72 births within a medium- sized Swedish birth-clinic, was conducted in a period of 7 weeks. The most common obstacles in assessing perineal ruptures, were the patient ́s bleeding and pain. The largest difficulties in assessment were identifying the structures and anatomy within the rupture. In one case out of four, peer support from midwife colleague or doctor was sought, and there were cases of midwives estimating their competence as non-sufficient. The need for peer support and continuous training and education was expressed in cases with midwives having short and long experience. There is a need for further research in the focus on bleeding as an obstacle in assessment of perineal trauma, and a need for further evaluation of the anaestethical methods used in management of them.

This thesis examines the impact of the colonial past on contemporary development. More specifically, it investigates how colonial power – conceived as discourses which emerged during colonisation and their interconnectedness with the material world – continues to shape present-day ideas and practices of Development actors from the global North that intervene in the lives of people in the global South. The colonial legacy of German Development cooperation is under-researched, and postcolonial Development Studies have yet to examine specific policies and their implementation in detail. This study focuses on German Development intervention with a focus on population and reproductive health issues in Tanzania, a former German colony. In order to investigate the influence of colonial modes of thought and practice on contemporary Development, this thesis develops and implements the methodology of genealogical dispositif analysis. Genealogy traces the historical emergence of policies and examines their present-day persistence, while dispositif analysis is an extension of discourse analysis enabling the research of discourses and their relationship with practices, institutions, and political-economic conditions. The study thus analyses the emergence of German interventions in what is now Tanzania with regard to population and reproductive health during Germany’s colonisation of “German East Africa” and compares these interventions to present-day German Development cooperation in Tanzania, where reproductive health is one of the focal areas. Drawing on archives, interviews, and observations in Germany and Tanzania, this research finds similarities between contemporary German policy and practice regarding population control and colonial-era interventions. In particular, it shows how racialised, gendered discourses are connected to philanthropic legitimising strategies and the political economy of population control. In addition, policies and practices regarding obstetric care in contemporary German Development aid reflect hierarchies between Western and East African practices which are similar to those formed during colonial rule. Since the colonial period, East African obstetric care has been constructed as in need of catching up with German childbirth practices. In terms of how and with what effects colonial power is challenged in contemporary German Development cooperation, this research found that while narratives of German professionals reveal some doubt and uncertainty regarding dominant Development thinking and practice, they do not represent a fundamental threat to the persistence of colonial power. Colonial power tends to take effect in the face of and despite opposition. The thesis concludes that colonial power continues to significantly shape present-day Development policy and practice.

The aim of this study is to explore the introduction of IsiXhosa (iintsomi) as an alternative method in the maternal health education in rural Primary Health Care in the Eastern Cape. An informal preliminary observation of a maternal health lesson by the researcher indicated a further need for maternal health educators to introduce storytelling into the health content themes. To re-inforce the maternal health educator lesson on the causes of teenage pregnancy, lifestyles for pregnant women, causes of miscarriage and termination of pregnancy, the Community Health Workers can undoubtedly use isiXhosa iintsomi in selected clinics and maternal waiting homes. As a readily available resource that cuts across all literacy barriers, iintsomi (isiXhosa) fosters a cross-cultural consultation which enables the healthcare worker to convey messages that make sense to the rural women. While the conventional methods of teaching have a tendency to create tension and lack of participation, use of folktale (iintsomi) have huge potential to bring lesson enjoyment; a meaningful interaction and story sharing by the maternal health educator, the pregnant women and greater community; access to important health messages; and strengthened utilisation of Primary Health Care. The study therefore suggests that there is a place for isiXhosa iintsomi: From the Fireplace into the Workplace.

This paper deals with the Deaf community in sub-Saharan Africa, with particular focus on the Republic of Congo, and Senegal. It explores how the humanitarian sector is reaching out to this community, especially regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health. Projects set up by UNFPA Congo and Senegal’s ONG Jeunesse Et Dévelopment, are examined within the framework of communication for development. By researching the nexus between the international organizational world and the deaf community, the plan is to gain understanding through methodological approaches such as semi structured interviews, a focus groups and document analysis including videos, that eventually will provide input that can lead to a more comprehensive and informative communication strategy for this group. As a large part of the Deaf community in the developing world isn’t able to read and write, their fundamental human rights are undermined, this is especially true when it comes to Sexual and Reproductive Health. Research from Kenya and Senegal have shown that people living with disabilities got slightly higher HIV seroprevalence compared to the rest of the population, while a study from Cameroun demonstrates that deaf individuals are three times more likely to contract an STI. Communication for development, behavior change communication, communication for social change as well as media development, got a significant role to play to lead the deaf community towards integration, inclusion and better access to information on Sexual and Reproductive Health. By including the deaf community and let them define their own needs through genuine participation, it is possible to strengthen their rights. Researching the deaf community in the developing world is like studying a micro-cosmos of the entire development debate, as many of the main challenges are present. By empowering the deaf community in Africa, the whole continent is empowered.

The lasting effects of childhood trauma into adulthood have been well corroborated by research from a variety of sources. Previous research has found a vast number of psychological, behavioral, and health related outcomes that are negatively affected by victimization in childhood. This piece strives to assess the correlates between childhood trauma and adult reproductive behavior and well-being for women living in Appalachia. The NCIPC has found that residents of Appalachia are at higher risks for both experiencing childhood traumas and poor health outcomes (2017). To create long-term positive reproductive health behaviors among Appalachian women, it is essential to examine how experiences with childhood trauma have affected these behaviors and how victims are likely to behave in adulthood in regards to their reproductive health. The results have implications for showcasing the unique difficulties experienced by women who were victims of childhood trauma which can impact the way healthcare providers and organizations can better assist the unique needs of this population.

Thesis (MSc (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019 / Introduction: The provision of access to safe and effective contraception is a critical element in the health of women that enables them to make choices about their fertility. This element of control empowers them and indirectly enables them to access better social and economic opportunities. Hormonal contraceptives are a convenient, effective and relatively safe method of fertility control. Extensive research has been done on the effects of hormonal contraceptives on undesirable metabolic and haemostatic changes, but data on the relationship between oxidative stress and oral contraceptives is scarce and remains subject to debate. Aging of the skin due to oestrogen loss at menopause is thought to include atrophy, decreased collagen content, water content, and sebaceous secretions, loss of elasticity, wrinkling, poor wound healing and manifestations of hyperandrogenism. A number of studies have shown that oestrogens serve many important beneficial and protective functions in skin physiology. Despite extensive clinical experience, many metabolic effects of oral contraceptive treatment remain to be explored. The effects of progesterone on body weight and composition are of interest from several standpoints. Since hormonal contraceptives are widely used, it is important to investigate the effect thereof on oxidative status, skin parameters and anthropometric indicators, to enable women make informed choices about the use of contraceptives, or to adapt their lifestyle if necessary. The aim of the present study was therefore, to assess certain effects of contraceptives in a student population at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Objectives of the study: To determine the differences in skin health, anthropometric \parameters and oxidative stress status in female university students using various hormonal contraceptives versus non-contraceptive users. Research design: The study adopted a quantitative approach to examine a crosssectional research sample in order to provide a snapshot of the population at a particular time. Concenting participants were selected through the use of questionnaires aimed at ascertaining the type of contraceptive used as well as general health and lifestyle patterns. Blood samples were collected and the antioxidant status was determined. Body composition and skin analysis was conducted on each of the participants in the selected groups and the results were compared to determine the differences between contraceptive and non-contraceptive users. Results: With regards to oxidative stress status, the results indicated a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities within the triphasic contraceptive group compared to the monophasic contraceptive group, suggesting higher levels of oxidative stress in monophasic contraceptive groups. There was also an increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) for the triphasic contraceptive group when compared to the control, monophasic contraceptive and injectable contraceptive groups respectively, indicative of increased oxidative stress levels in the triphasic contraceptive group. In this study, skin parameters evaluation revealed that there was a general increase in the presence of erythema in the monophasic contraceptive group compared to the control; injectable contraceptive; implant contraceptive and triphasic contraceptive groups, symptomatic of higher vascular activity in the monophasic group. Melanocyte activity measured in the forehead, cheek and chin areas were also significantly increased when the monophasic contraceptive group was compared to the control and other contraceptive groups, characterised by the pigmentation pattern of chloasma/melasma known to be caused by hormones. The hydration measurements were significantly increased in the implant contraceptive group compared to the control and monophasic contraceptive groups. Furthermore, a significant increase in hydration was evident in the injectable contraceptive group when compared to the control and monophasic contraceptive groups. Injectable contraceptives and implant contraceptives mainly contain progesterone which has been proven to combat signs of aging and increase collagen and elastin in the skin. With respect to anthropometric measurements, there was a significant increase in the measurement of waist to hip ratio in the implant contraceptive group compared to the control group (non-contraceptive). Progesterone influence on adipose tissue distribution indicated a more significant increase of adipose tissue in the abdominal region. Conclusion: In this study there was some evidence that the type of hormonal contraceptive used does have significant effects on the variables tested in the population sample. These effects are dependent on the composition of the contraceptive and the levels of progesterone and/or oestrogen.