Abstract

REIS, Marta et al. Adolescent sexuality in the north and the municipality Vila Nova de Famalicão. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.1, pp.216-228.  Epub Apr 30, 2022. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/22psd230121.

Sexual activity usually begins during adolescence, and national and international investigations suggest that age at first intercourse and condom use are crucial determinants of sexual health. This study analyzed trends in sexual behavior among adolescents from 2018 to 2021 in the educational region of northern Portugal. The sample consists of 2773 adolescents, of which 47.2% are boys, with an average age of 15 years. Most adolescents attend 8th grade, 10th grade or 12th grade. The measures included asking the adolescent whether he or she had already had a romantic relationship, sexual intercourse, age of first sexual intercourse, condom use in last sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol or drug, HIV testing and HPV vaccine. Years of study, gender and years of schooling were analyzed. Most mentioned not having had sexual intercourse (82.6%). Among those who answered affirmatively, they referred having had their first sexual intercourse between 14 and 15 years of age. About a quarter in both studies reported not having used a condom in the last sexual intercourse (29% and 25%) and having had sexual intercourse associated with alcohol or drug consumption (11.8% and 9.3%). These results have significant implications for education and health policies, especially in the North of Portugal, directing them to the development of personal and social skills in the various structures that support support for Portuguese adolescents.

Keywords : Sexual intercourse; Condom; HIV Test; HPV Vaccine; Adolescents; Portugal.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )