Tolerance of Sexual Diversity, Gender Equity, and Sexual and Reproductive Rights: Determining Factors of Sexual Education and Awareness in the New Millennium

Abstract

The objective of the research was to evaluate the level of sexual education and awareness of Brazilian youth regarding sexual diversity, gender equity, and sexual and reproductive rights. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the School of Medicine of University of Brasilia. The Pan American Health Association and the Department of STDs/HIV-AIDS and Viral Hepatitis of the Brazilian Ministry of Health supported this study, and Caixa Seguradora funded the research. Household interviews were conducted with 1208 youth aged 18 to 29 years old, based on a probability sample in 15 states and the Federal District. The research margin of error, standardized regionally and nationally, was 2.8%. A sexual awareness scale was generated, incorporating 15 variables for sexual diversity, gender equity, and sexual and reproductive rights. Adjusted linear regression models were created to identify socio-demographic determinants explaining the variance in the sexual awareness scale. The mean on the scale was 7.8 points. Gender, religious affiliation and education were significantly associated with variation in levels of sexual awareness. As for social determinants, having teachers as the main source of sexuality education, accessing the internet, having an interest in learning, not participating in religious groups, having frequent conversations with parents, frequency of sexual intercourse, and confidence in one’s sexual health were all positively associated with higher levels of sexual awareness. Based on socio-demographic determinants positively associated with variations in levels of sexual awareness, interventions should be promoted for reducing stigma and gender inequity, and increasing awareness of sexual and reproductive rights among Brazilian youth.