Risky sexual behavior and knowledge of STIs/AIDS among university health students

Abstract

Background: Risky sexual behaviors are associated with the number of sexual partners, and non-use of condom, among other factors. Objective: To identify the profile of health students attending a higher education institution, according to demographic and sexual characteristics. Methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study with a quantitative approach using a sample of 819 university health students. We used a questionnaire in order to obtain information on the students’ demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and knowledge of STIs/AIDS. We defined risky behavior as the adoption of 2 or more of the following sexual behaviors: non-use of condom, more than 10 sexual partners, sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and sexual intercourse with little or recently known person. Results: The sample was composed of 77.41% (634) of women and 22.59% (185) of men, with a mean age of 24.4 years (SD ± 6.7). Most participants (52%) reported risky behaviors and insufficient knowledge of STIs. Conclusion: The fact that 52% of the participants reported risky sexual behaviors points to the need for preventive interventions among this population, aimed at raising awareness and reducing the risk of STIs.