Sex education, knowledge of STIs and protective/risk behaviors in people between 18 and 30 years of age

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are mainly acquired through sexual contact and can affect people of any age; however, adolescents are the most affected age group, therefore, it is likely that their behaviors are more risky than protective. Objective: The objective of the research is to determine the relationship between the level of sexual education and knowledge about STIs and risk and protective behaviors in young people. Method: Analytical design research, descriptive, cross-sectional study with quantitative data, with a sample of 130 men and women, considering 10 people by age from 18 to 30 years. Results: There is no statistically significant relationship between sexual education and risk and/or protective behaviors (p > 0.05) nor between sexual education and condom use, both internal and external (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Despite having sexual education, not all people use frequently barrier contraceptives and, mainly, the little use of the vaginal condom in the general population is surprising, with people of heterosexual orientation being those that use it less.