Sexuality, alcohol, psycoative substances and relation with unwanted pregnancy in university students

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between sexuality, alcohol consumption, psychoactive substance consumption and unwanted pregnancy in university students. Methods: Cross sectional study with analytical intention. A sexual and reproductive health and wellness survey based on the Reig-Ferrer questionnaire was applied. The qualitative variables were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, and the quantitative variables using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Prevalence ratios were calculated using the chi square test that evaluated the relationship between unwanted pregnancy and some risk behaviors. Results: A total of 2767 students with an average age of 21 (RIC: 19-23) years participated. The median age of onset of sexual intercourse was 16 (RIC: 15-18) years. Overall, 56.1% reported consuming alcohol and 12.7% psychoactive substances (PS), with some frequency. Regarding women, 18.9% have been pregnant, and of these, 61.4% have had an unwanted pregnancy. The bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between unwanted pregnancy and variables such as the age of onset of sexual intercourse, the consumption of PS and whether or not to have sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol and PS. Conclusions: The study showed conditions that can favor the problems related to the sexual and reproductive health of young university students. The need to study some risk behaviors in a particular way through a comprehensive approach that allows reorienting the activities of sexual health promotion in order to re-know care and risk behaviors, is highlighted.