[Sexual behavior, unsafe practices and contraception in students attending Alicante University (Spain)]

To identify sexual behavior, contraception, and unsafe practices in students attending Alicante University, as well as to explore gender differences.

We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study in Alicante University. Participants consisted of 184 students studying for a Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics or for a Degree in Economics in the 2004-2005 academic year. Data on information sources, knowledge and use of family planning centers, and sexual experience were gathered using a self-administered anonymous and confidential questionnaire.

The mean age was 21.6 years and 140 participants were women. Information sources on sexuality and contraception were related to the students' social and educational environment. The age of beginning coital sexual relations was 17.8 years. The most frequent sexual practices were vaginal coitus and oral sex. Nearly 30% of the students (n = 51) used the postcoital pill. Men started sexual relations earlier and had a greater number of partners than women. The percentage of women who needed to be in love to maintain sexual relations was higher than that in men. A greater percentage of men had had sexual relations under the effect of drugs.

There is a need to improve awareness of responsible sex in the university setting. The gender differences associated with risk behaviors and the use of contraceptive methods, which influence the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, should be taken into account.