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[Sexual behavior and contraceptive practices among university students]
A Repossi1, J M Araneda, L Bustos
1Centro de diagnóstico y Asistencia Psicoterapeútica, Instituto de Salud Pública, Valdivia, Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Most sexually active university students use contraceptive methods, but often inappropriately due to myths and misinformation. Improved sexual education is needed to align knowledge with practices.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sexual Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Understanding student knowledge, opinions, and sexual behavior is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- University populations often exhibit unique patterns in sexual practices and contraceptive use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of 464 students at the Universidad Austral de Chile.
- To identify factors influencing contraceptive method usage and adherence among university students.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 464 students.
- Data collection likely involved surveys or questionnaires assessing sexual behavior, knowledge, and opinions.
Main Results:
- 78% of males and 41% of females reported sexual intercourse; 78% of sexually active males and 72% of females use contraceptives.
- Reasons for non-use include irregular intercourse and reduced pleasure; many perceive methods as harmful yet necessary.
- Contraceptive use correlates with sexual frequency and university experience, though first-year students use them more than second-year students.
Conclusions:
- Sexually active students demonstrate inconsistent contraceptive practices, influenced by misinformation, myths, and stereotypes.
- Inadequate knowledge regarding contraceptive mechanisms and misconceptions about post-coital pregnancy prevention are prevalent.
- A disconnect exists between students' knowledge and their actual sexual and contraceptive behaviors, potentially linked to limited high school and religious influence on sexual education.