Background:

The sexual risk-taking behaviors of young people regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are associated with sexual debut, partner variability, casual sex activities, (lack of) use of condoms, and substance abuse.

Objective:

To identify the factors influencing condom misuse from the perspective of young university students.

Methodology:

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at a private university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 30 young university students participating in three focus groups. Data were analyzed using the lexical analysis technique and IRaMuTeQ software.

Results:

The following five classes emerged: alcohol use as a determinant of risky behaviors; condom misuse associated with the risk of infection; lack of information on STI prevention; and condom use. Participants reported using condoms inconsistently and being more concerned about the occurrence of an unplanned pregnancy.

Conclusion:

University students’ sexual risk-taking behaviors reveal individual and social vulnerabilities and highlight the need to develop efficient health education and therapeutic interventions strategies.

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