Redes sociais e comportamento sexual: para uma visão relacional da sexualidade, do risco e da prevenção

Abstract

Based on a representative survey of the Portuguese population aged between 18 and 65, carried out in 2007, this study investigates the impact of social networks on the sexual behaviour of individuals. Through the normative perceptions respondents have of the sexual morals of their family members and friends, as well as through a number of indicators related to the characterization of the network of sexual confidants, such as number, identity, gender, age and confidants' behaviour in terms of sexuality and risk-taking practices, we were able to draw a multidimensional portrait of the individuals' social networks. By carrying out several linear and logistic regression analyses, we were also able to evaluate the predictive power of network variables and their effect on the number of sexual partners, occasional sex and condom use. Data show that network factors are important to explain individuals' sexual behaviour. Confidence networks constituted by friends and orientated towards a more liberal sexual moral tend to allow for a greater sexual experimentalism, particularly in the case of women. On the other hand, the homology between confidants' and respondents' sexual behaviour seems relevant to explain condom use in occasional sex, especially in the case of men. Either by taking on a relational perspective or an epidemiological approach, the analysis of individuals' social networks constitutes a major feature for understanding and explaining the variety of sexual experiences and the infection risks that can be associated with sexual behaviour.

HIV knowledge and related sexual practices among Portuguese men who have sex with men

“…Our findings suggest that the concepts of safe sex on our sample are highly contextual and therefore in some ways not dissimilar from those found among Portuguese heterosexuals 10,11 , but still maintaining their specificity that deserves further inquiry.…”

“…This may be linked with fear of HIV infection and increased knowledge about viral transmission, even if condom use seems to be dependent on life and relationship contexts among heterosexuals 10 . The relevance of social networks has also been highlighted for this population, in that these may influence greater sexual experimentation as well as condom use 11 .…”

Gênero, masculinidades e saúde em revista: a produção da área na revista Saúde e Sociedade

“…While for men experiencing their sexuality is encouraged as something intrinsic to their nature, the same does not occur for women. Still on sexuality, the study "Redes sociais e comportamento sexual: para uma visão relacional da sexualidade, do risco e da prevenção" (Aboim, 2011), performed with a population between 18 and 65 years old in Portugal, investigated the impact of social networks on sexual behaviors of individuals. Through the normative perception of the subjects on the sexual morality of their friends and family, the author sought to obtain a portrait of social networks to understand the variety of sexual behaviors and the risks of infection of the individuals.…”

Comportamentos sexuais de risco e preventivos masculinos: resultados de uma amostra recolhida através da internet em Portugal

“…Estudos recentes sobre HSH no país têm evidenciado uma concentração da epidemia nesse grupo, com taxas de infeção acima dos 9%; 17% de homens que desconhecem o seu estatuto serológico (Gat, 2011); e níveis elevados de risco sexual entre os que nunca realizaram o teste do VIH 1 . Na população heterossexual foi identificado que os homens tendem a ser influenciados nos seus comportamentos sexuais pelos amigos nomeadamente ao nível da utilização de preservativo, apresentando maior incidência de parceiros ocasionais do que as mulheres (Aboim, 2011). Tendo em consideração os dados apresentados, são pertinentes a monitorização e a reflexão sobre os padrões de risco e os preventivos relacionados com a via sexual de transmissão do VIH em Portugal, em particular entre a população masculina.…”