Abstract

SALES, Willian Barbosa et al. Risky sexual behavior and knowledge of STIs/AIDS among university health students. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2016, vol.serIV, n.10, pp.19-27. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIV16019.

Background: Risky sexual behaviors are associated with the number of sexual partners, and non-use of condom, among other factors. Objetive: To identify the profile of health students attending a higher education institution, according to demographic and sexual characteristics. Methods: This is aprospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study with a quantitative approach using a sample of 819 university health students. We used a questionnaire in order to obtain information on the students' demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and knowledge of STIs/AIDS. We defined risky behavior as the adoption of 2 or more of the following sexual behaviors: non-use of condom, more than 10 sexual partners, sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and sexual intercourse with little or recently known person. Results: The sample was composed of 77.41% (634) of women and 22.59% (185) of men, with a mean age of 24.4 years (SD ± 6.7). Most participants (52%) reported risky behaviors and insufficient knowledge of STIs. Conclusion: The fact that 52% of the participants reported risky sexual behaviors points to the need for preventive interventions among this population, aimed at raising awareness and reducing the risk of STIs.

Keywords : sexually transmitted infections; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; students, health occupations; sexual behavior.

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