Explanatory Psychological Factors of Inconsistently Condom Use among Spanish University Students: Gender Differences

Abstract

More than 50% of Spanish youth does not use of condoms correctly and consistently. University students are a particular population at high risk of the HIV infection, other STIs and unwanted pregnancies. The influence of psychological variables in using of condom is analyzed by gender and type of sexual relationship. A total of 256 females and 168 males were assessed (Mage= 20.62; SD = 2.16). A regression logistic analysis showed that sexual sensation seeking appears as an explanatory variable of inconsistently condom use in both females and males in vaginal intercourse, steady relationship intercourse and sex under the alcohol and other drugs effects (adjusted odds ratio between 1.095 and 1.124). Moreover, self-esteem appears as a risk factor and extraversion as a protective factor of use of condom in females. On the other hand, neuroticism reveals itself as a protective factor and fear of negative evaluation as a risk factor of use of condom in males. It is necessary to know the psychological mechanisms that underlie sexual risk behaviors for adapting interventions to individual and contextual characteristics.

HIV and STI Prevention Among Spanish Women Who have Sex with Women: Factors Associated with Dental Dam and Condom Use

“…This finding is congruent with the few studies that have analyzed this variable [31]. These women generally think that physical sensations are the most important aspect of sex and prefer the short-term benefits of sexual practices that disregard the use of barrier methods [54,55]. Therefore, the greater discomfort caused by the use of the dental dam or the interruption that its use generates in the sexual dynamic are aspects that can diminish physical sensations or sexual satisfaction and, consequently, may drastically reduce its use [56].…”

“…In addition, as Fujii, concludes, not consuming cannabis before sexual intercourse is another protective factor [2]. Being under the depressant effects of cannabis causes an impairment in the decision-making process [54], leading to an underestimation of risk and a greater likelihood of not using dental dam [22]. Finally, the search for sexual sensations appears as a risk variable.…”

“…These women tend to consume some narcotic substances, such as cocaine or hallucinogens, to a greater extent than the general population [59]. The behavioral effects of these substances include impaired judgment or decision-making, which leads to an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors [54].…”

Prevención del VIH: análisis de conductas sexuales de riesgo y propuestas de intervención

“…Resulta relevante atender los déficits y dificultades que se pueden presentar en importantes factores cognitivos como la información veraz acerca de la infección por VIH, la percepción de riesgo, las actitudes hacia los comportamientos sexuales seguros o la competencia percibida para enfrentarse a diferentes situaciones sexuales relacionadas con el uso de un método de barrera o el rechazo de una práctica sexual no segura. Sin embargo, no menos importante resulta entender que existen otros factores que pueden actuar como predisponentes, por ejemplo, la búsqueda de sensaciones sexuales, la autoestima o el valor otorgado a la salud (Ruiz-Palomino et al, 2020). Al mismo tiempo, otros estudios han mostrado la importancia de ciertas variables moduladoras para el uso del preservativo (Ruiz-Palomino et al, 2018) como, por ejemplo: el vínculo afectivo, el placer percibido en las prácticas sexuales de riesgo o el miedo a la evaluación negativa.…”

Consumo excesivo de alcohol ¿existen diferencias de género?

“…Además, diversos estudios ponen de manifiesto cómo el consumo de alcohol también está relacionado con un aumento de las agresiones sexuales hacia las mujeres (Fuentes-Pumarola et al, 2021;Hingsonet al, 2009). Por si fuera poco, el consumo de esta droga también incrementa las conductas sexuales de riesgo, como el hecho de no utilizar métodos de protección como el preservativo (Ruiz et al, 2020), lo que conlleva una mayor probabilidad de contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual (Rojas-Murcia et al, 2015), además de aumentar el número de embarazos no deseados (Rehm et al, 2012;Yaesoubi et al, 2021). Asimismo, varios estudios muestran como el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas se relaciona directamente con enfermedades como la hipertensión, la diabetes, o el hecho de padecer enfermedades cardíacas, como arritmias o ataques cardíacos (Suter y Tremblay, 2005;Haseeb et al, 2017).…”