Factors related to healthy sexual and contraceptive behaviors in undergraduate students at university of Seville: a cross- sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundYoung people are a group of population with sexual risk-taking behaviors. Despite efforts to inform them it is common for them to adopt risk conducts during their stay at University. The aim of this research was to assess knowledge, attitudes and experiences on sexual health and contraceptives and factors related to risk behaviors in university students.MethodsA cross- sectional analytical study was carried out from February to April 2014 among undergraduate students at University of Seville. A self-administered questionnaire was filled in by participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V22. Descriptive statistics were used to show data. A P-value of 5% (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 566 students responded to the questionnaire. 47.3% (267) were male and 52.6% (297) female. About sexual behavior: 93.3% of participants were sexually active last year. 58.3% had had sex under alcohol effect and 18% under drugs effect. About contraceptive behavior: 86.9% used a contraceptive method during their first sexual relation, the male condom being the most used (90.6%). Currently, the most used contraceptives are the male condom, and hormonal pills. The participants’ answers about their knowledge on contraceptives and STIs (sexual transmission infections) showed weaknesses. Participants who had received sexual and contraceptive education showed more knowledge (p < 0.001). We did not find differences about knowledge on contraceptives and STIs by age (p = 0.056). Level of knowledge is less in young people who use coitus interruptus or none as a contraceptive method (p < 0.001). We observed differences by frequency of sex since young people who had sex more frequently showed more knowledge about contraceptives and STI (p < 0.001). There are more women that had a partner than men (p = 0.003) and their attitudes and experiences on sex are healthier. Females showed more knowledge about management of hormonal contraceptives and medical controls (p < 0.001).ConclusionFactors that contribute to having a healthier behavior on sexuality and contraception are age, gender and background in health issues, showing greater knowledge and less risky behavior. Programing reproductive health programs at university should be continued.

Knowledge and Attitudes on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues Among Sendafa High School and Preparatory Students

“…As reported by the current study 82.9% of the students have awareness about the contraceptive methods, from these 130 (51.5%) and 94 (37.3%) knew male condom and pills respectively. This study is lower than the study conducted in Spain, among university students 86.9% used a contraceptive method during their first sexual relation and the most used contraceptives methods were male condom (90.6%) and hormonal pills [17], in Nigeria, condom was the most frequently mentioned (59.3%) [7], and in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 57% used contraception at first intercourse [12].…”

Factores socioeducativos asociados al no uso de métodos anticonceptivos en universitarias de cuatro países de Latinoamérica

“…Se ha evidenciado un incremento en la maternidad en adolescentes entre 15 y 19 años 3 . Siendo mayor en el nivel socioeconómico bajo, con limitado acceso a educación, información, comunicación con los padres, etc [4][5][6] . Se sabe que 3 de cada 5 personas utilizan métodos anticonceptivos al mantener una vida sexual activa 7 .…”

Uso de métodos contraceptivos entre acadêmicos da área da saúde

“…(1) Uma fase que pode ser considerada como um fator impulsionante para a expressão da sexualidade é o ingresso na universidade, por expor os acadêmicos a novas experiências, muitas vezes associadas ao uso de bebidas alcoólicas e outras drogas, além de estarem mais vulneráveis a novas vivências antes proibidas ou limitadas pela proximidade familiar, que podem influenciar a prática sexual desprotegida. (2) Ademais, prática de sexo desprotegido é comum entre estudantes universitários e a conscientização sobre as possibilidades de prevenção de IST/Aids e gravidez não planejada ainda não é uma realidade, (3)(4) podendo acarretar um aumento da exposição a essas doenças e gravidez não planejada, além de repercussões como o abandono dos estudos e dificuldade de inserção no mercado de trabalho. Desse modo, independentemente do nível de instrução, intervenções e educação sobre métodos contraceptivos devem ser adotadas.…”