SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES AND SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Regina Ferreira Alves, José Alberto Gomes Precioso, Elisardo Iglesias Becoña

Resumo


Several factors, including sexual knowledge and attitudes, influence sexual behaviors among college students. Scientific research suggests that positive information and attitudes regarding condom use and sexually transmitted infections (STI) have a strong association with protective behaviors. This study aimed to analyze knowledge and attitudes about STI and attitudes towards condom use. This a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of college students (n = 840) in one university in Portugal. A validated self-reported questionnaire was administered to a proportional stratified random sample of students. By analyzing the sexual risk behaviors of sexually active students in the last 12 months, it was found that 18.7% of respondents reported having two or more sexual partners, 60.1% did not always use or almost always condom and 32.3% had sexual intercourse after ingesting alcohol or consuming illicit psychoactive substances. The level of knowledge about STI transmission is 3.99±1.194 (6 possible correct answers), and the level of attitudes towards IST and condom use were moderate. University students present gaps in knowledge and attitudes about STI and condom use that may condition the adoption of protective health behaviors. These results show the importance of promoting health in higher education, especially in the area of sexuality.

Palavras-chave


sexual knowledge, sexual attitudes, sexually transmitted infections, condom use, higher education

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Referências


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46691/es.v0i0467

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