1
|
Santos MJDO, Ferreira EMS, Ferreira MC. Predictors of Condom Use among College Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:433. [PMID: 38673344 PMCID: PMC11050062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Consistent condom use is recognized as one of the most effective strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Despite their effectiveness, condoms remain fairly well used among younger people. The conception of appropriate measures to change behaviors needs a deep understanding of the factors underlying poor adherence to condom use. This study aims to identify the predictors of condom use among college students. A cross-sectional, correlational, and predictive study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 1946 university students, with an average age of 21 years (20.74 ± 2.32). Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as a conceptual and methodological framework to understand the relationship between the predictors of condom use. An explanatory theoretical model of condom use behavior was established using path analysis. Condom use among young people is infrequent, with only 39.4% of respondents reporting consistent use. Perceived benefits, positive feelings, and interpersonal influences emerged as variables with the most explicitly positive influence on the commitment to condom use, a trend confirmed for both sexes. Commitment was the strongest predictor of condom use behavior (β = 0.580; p < 0.001). Pender's HPM is effective in explaining the relationships between the predictors of condom use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria José de Oliveira Santos
- Health Sciences Research Unit: UICISA: E-EsenfC/ESSIPV, Health School, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Manuela Conceição Ferreira
- Health Sciences Research Unit: UICISA: E-EsenfC/ESSIPV, Health School of Viseu, Institute Polytechnic de Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alkhalili M, Al-Hmaid Y, Kheirallah K, Mehaisen L. Assessment of Knowledge of Sexual Reproductive Health Among Female University Students in Jordan. Cureus 2024; 16:e53386. [PMID: 38435157 PMCID: PMC10908203 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual reproductive health (SRH) is an important aspect of human life, especially in the younger age groups. Young adults are the most vulnerable group to SRH consequences, as they have limited access to its information and services. This is one of the earliest studies conducted to examine the knowledge of SRH among female university students in Jordan. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of SRH among female Jordanian university students and to determine the social and individual factors that may affect this knowledge. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional design was used, and a convenient sample consisting of 427 female university students was recruited from the University of Jordan. The inclusion criteria were female unmarried students aged 18-25 years old, while the exclusion criteria were married, divorced, or engaged female students. A valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the student's knowledge of SRH. Data were collected between February 21 and March 20, 2022. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was used for data analysis, and an independent sample t-test was used to investigate mean differences in the SRH score based on demographic characteristics. RESULTS Overall, it was found that only 26.2% of all the participants had adequate knowledge of SRH. Additionally, they have inadequate knowledge regarding the different aspects of SRH such as premarital, vaccination, menstruation, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), except for the section on folic acid, which demonstrated adequate knowledge. Furthermore, the participants' scores of total SRH knowledge were significantly different based on their original place of living, current residency, educational level, religion, and university faculty. CONCLUSION Due to the inadequate level of knowledge, this study highlights the need to establish educational and awareness programs concerning SRH and to incorporate this subject into the university and school curricula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mais Alkhalili
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR
| | - Yamamah Al-Hmaid
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Amman, JOR
| | - Lama Mehaisen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gómez-Núñez MI, Molla-Esparza C, Gandia Carbonell N, Badenes Ribera L. Prevalence of Intoxicating Substance Use Before or During Sex Among Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2503-2526. [PMID: 36897426 PMCID: PMC10501956 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Drug use before or during sex is a high-risk sexual behavior associated with adverse health risks and outcomes, such as increasing the likelihood of overdoses and of acquiring sexually-transmitted diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis of three scientific databases examined the prevalence of the use of intoxicating substances, those tending to excite or stupefy the user on a psychoactive level, before or during sex, among young adults (18-29 years old). A total of 55 unique empirical studies met the inclusion criteria (48,145 individuals; 39% males), were assessed for risk of bias using the tools of Hoy et al. (2012), and were analyzed via a generalized linear mixed-effects model. The results produced a global mean prevalence of this sexual risk behavior of 36.98% (95% CI: 28.28%, 46.63%). Nonetheless, significant differences were identified between different intoxicating substances, with the use of alcohol (35.10%; 95% CI: 27.68%, 43.31%), marijuana (27.80%; 95% CI: 18.24%, 39.92%), and ecstasy (20.90%; 95% CI: 14.34%, 29.45%) significantly more prevalent than that of cocaine (4.32%; 95% CI: 3.64%, 5.11%), heroin (.67%; 95% CI: .09%, 4.65%), methamphetamine (7.10%; 95% CI: 4.57%, 10.88%), and GHB (6.55%; 95% CI: 4.21%, 10.05%). Moderator analyses showed that the prevalence of alcohol use before or during sex differed according to geographical sample origin, and increased as the proportion of ethnic whites in samples increased. The remaining demographic (e.g., gender, age, reference population), sexual (e.g., sexual orientation, sexual activity), health (e.g., drug consumption, STI/STD status), methodological (e.g., sampling technique), and measurement (e.g., timeframe) variables that were examined did not moderate prevalence estimates. Implications for sexual development interventions were discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Gómez-Núñez
- Department of Research Methods and Diagnostics in Education, International University of La Rioja, UNIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Cristian Molla-Esparza
- Department of Research Methods and Diagnostics in Education, University of Valencia, UVEG, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 30, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Natalia Gandia Carbonell
- Llaurant la Llum Therapeutic Community, Center for the Treatment, Withdrawal and Detoxification of Addictions and Other Associated Disorders, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Health Sciences Methodology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, UAB, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Badenes Ribera
- Department of Methodology of the Behavioural Sciences, University of Valencia, UVEG, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodrigues DL, de Visser RO, Lopes D, Prada M, Garrido MV, Balzarini RN. Prevent2Protect Project: Regulatory Focus Differences in Sexual Health Knowledge and Practices. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1701-1713. [PMID: 36702994 PMCID: PMC9879562 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The way people perceive risks and make decisions about their health is regulated by two motivational systems-prevention of harm or promotion of pleasure. People more focused on prevention strive to avoid negative outcomes and enact more health-protective behaviors. In contrast, people more focused on promotion strive to attain positive outcomes and take more risks with their health. Building upon recent evidence extending this framework to sexual behaviors and health, we conducted a pre-registered online survey ( OSF ) with Portuguese and Spanish adults (N = 742; Mage = 31.42, SD = 9.16) to examine whether self-reported STI knowledge and sexual health practices differ based on predominant regulatory focus. This study was part of the Prevent2Protect project ( OSF ). Results showed that prevention-focused participants had heard about more STIs and retrieved more of their knowledge from scientific sources but had been tested for fewer STIs in the past. In contrast, promotion-focused participants indicated they had specific knowledge about more STIs, retrieved more of their knowledge from medical and peer sources, and had been tested for more STIs in the past. They also reported more frequent STI testing, using free testing facilities or asking their family practice doctor to get tested, more routine sexual health check-ups, and more use of other contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills. These results remained unchanged after controlling for demographic differences. Overall, our findings showed that different motives in sexuality shape sexual health knowledge and sexual health practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Rodrigues
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | - Diniz Lopes
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marília Prada
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida V Garrido
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rhonda N Balzarini
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sul S, Ferreira L, Maia AC, Coelho A, Costa A. Sexually Transmitted Infections and Health Literacy: A Community-Based Preventive Program. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319231159973. [PMID: 36932868 PMCID: PMC10026141 DOI: 10.1177/21501319231159973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health problem with a high risk of morbidity and community transmissibility. Evidence points to their continuous increase. This study describes the design, development, and implementation of a community-based STI prevention program for community healthcare users. METHODS Based on the Health Planning Process design method, a structured, community-based intervention program on STI counseling and detection was conducted in a primary health care unit in Lisbon. Two data collection instruments were applied in the diagnosis of the situation, namely the Health Literacy Survey Portugal (ILS-PT) and the STD Attitude Scale, to 47 patients who attended the health consultation on STI counseling and detection in a primary care unit in Lisbon. Two interventions were implemented, the health education session and the provision of an educational poster. In the evaluation of the project, the acceptance and satisfaction of the patients with the implemented interventions were considered as outcome indicators. A descriptive statistical analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS The participants shows considerably low levels of health literacy and high-risk behaviors for acquiring STIs. After an intervention, a high percentage of the participants point out the project as exciting and valuable and reveal having acquired knowledge that allowed them to improve their health. Furthermore, the patients were very satisfied with the implemented health education session and the educational poster. CONCLUSION This project revealed the urgent and important need to implement community intervention projects to prevent STIs and promote health literacy among the most vulnerable groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana Sul
- CIDNUR - Centro de Investigação, Inovação e Desenvolvimento em Enfermagem de Lisboa, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Liliana Ferreira
- Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Maia
- CIDNUR - Centro de Investigação, Inovação e Desenvolvimento em Enfermagem de Lisboa, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anabela Coelho
- University of Évora, Evora, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Costa
- CIDNUR - Centro de Investigação, Inovação e Desenvolvimento em Enfermagem de Lisboa, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- ISAMB - Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- CRC-W-Católica Research Centre for Psychological, Family and Social Wellbeing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Santos MJDO, Ferreira MMDC, Ferreira EMS. Sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours: higher education students' perceptions. Rev Bras Enferm 2022; 75:e20210712. [PMID: 35920496 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to understand higher education students' perceptions of sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours. METHODS a descriptive study following a qualitative approach was conducted, using Pender's Health Promotion Model as a theoretical and methodological framework. A thematic analysis of the data obtained from different focus groups was performed. RESULTS participants consider that factors such as communication with their sexual partner, the ability to negotiate and a positive attitude regarding condoms are positive aspects that will encourage consistent use of condom. The embarrassment felt at the time of purchase, the reduction of sexual pleasure and the growing stability of the relationship are usually seen as barriers. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS the study was crucial to identify some strategies that will be considered in further health promotion programmes, namely peer education, and will help promote personal and social skills and the (re)organisation of healthcare services.
Collapse
|
7
|
Santos MJDO, Ferreira MMDC, Ferreira EMS. Comportamentos de risco para a saúde sexual e reprodutiva: perceções dos estudantes do ensino superior. Rev Bras Enferm 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0712pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer as perceções dos estudantes do ensino superior sobre comportamentos de risco sexual e reprodutivo. Métodos: estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, usando como referencial teórico-metodológico o Modelo de Promoção da Saúde de Pender. Foi realizada uma análise temática dos dados obtidos através dos grupos focais. Resultados: os participantes consideram que fatores como a comunicação com o parceiro sexual, a capacidade de negociação e uma atitude positiva face ao uso do preservativo poderão constituir benefícios para uma utilização consistente do preservativo. Já o embaraço para comprar o preservativo, a alegada redução do prazer e a estabilidade da relação amorosa são entendidos como barreiras a esse uso consistente. Considerações finais: foram identificadas estratégias a considerar na criação de programas de promoção da saúde sexual, nomeadamente a educação pelos pares para promover competências pessoais e sociais e a (re)organização dos serviços de saúde.
Collapse
|
8
|
Boucher Bégin N, Boislard MA, Otis J. Pourquoi les adultes émergents actifs sexuellement ne se font-ils pas systématiquement dépister pour les ITSS ? SEXOLOGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
9
|
Sanz-Martos S, López-Medina IM, Álvarez-García C, Clavijo-Chamorro MZ, Ramos-Morcillo AJ, López-Rodríguez MM, Fernández-Feito A, Navarro-Prado S, Álvarez-Serrano MA, Baena-García L, Navarro-Perán MÁ, Álvarez-Nieto C. Young Nursing Student's Knowledge and Attitudes about Contraceptive Methods. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5869. [PMID: 32823694 PMCID: PMC7459644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescence is considered a period in which individuals are particularly at risk of negative consequences related to sexual health. Increased knowledge levels have traditionally been used as an indicator of the effectiveness of educational programs, but attitudes are not addressed and are a key element for the success of such programs. The aim of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes toward the use of contraceptive methods among nursing students. A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out. In total, 2914 university students (aged 18-25 years) enrolled in the study. Participants completed two validated scales to measure knowledge level and attitudes toward contraceptive use. Nursing degree students who received training about contraceptives obtained a success rate of over 70%, compared to 15.3% among students who had not received such training (p < 0.001). The mean attitude score was 43.45 points (10-50), but there were no significant differences in terms of student training (p = 0.435), although they were significantly higher among students who used contraceptives at first or last sexual intercourse (p < 0.001). There was a significant weak correlation between the level of knowledge and attitudes toward the use of contraceptives. An adequate level of knowledge about sexuality and contraceptive methods does not correspond to positive attitudes toward their use, although having an excellent attitude toward contraceptive use is related to their use during youth and adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Sanz-Martos
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (S.S.-M.); (C.Á.-G.); (C.Á.-N.)
| | - Isabel María López-Medina
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (S.S.-M.); (C.Á.-G.); (C.Á.-N.)
| | - Cristina Álvarez-García
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (S.S.-M.); (C.Á.-G.); (C.Á.-N.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Navarro-Prado
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences of Melilla, University of Granada, 52005 Melilla, Spain;
| | | | - Laura Baena-García
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | | | - Carmen Álvarez-Nieto
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (S.S.-M.); (C.Á.-G.); (C.Á.-N.)
| |
Collapse
|