Contraceptive (mis)education among young adults in Higher Education

Abstract

Objective: To investigate how the current law on sex education has affected the sex life of young adults in Higher Education on the basis of protective, prophylactic, and sexual and reproductive health surveillance behaviors. Method: This was a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study with a non-probability sample of convenience consisting of 365 Higher Education students from Northern Portugal. We included students attending the first year of Teaching Degree programs, therefore, younger students who would have had their Secondary Education under Law no. 60/2009 (August 6) would be included (this Law currently regulates sex education in schools). Data were collected using a questionnaire, which was submitted to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis with a confidence level of 95%. Results: For sexual and reproductive health, health services are rarely sought: only 28.7% of respondents have participate in family planning appointments, and women reported seek it more often (χ2 = 41.085 and p<0.000) than men. The university’s health services are even more rarely sought (13.7%), and women also seek it more often than men (11.2% versus 2.5%). Of participants, 29.6% of sexually active students do not systematically use contraceptive methods, and this behavior is more prevalent among men (χ2 = 9.950 e p=0.002). Conclusion: Protective sexual behaviors are rarely present. The study recommends any interventions targeting young adults that should go beyond genital anatomy and need to introduce a holistic and integrating viewing of sexuality.