Contraceptive behavior of Portuguese higher education students

Predictors of Condom Use among College Students

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.

Sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours: higher education students' perceptions

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.

Comportamentos de risco para a saúde sexual e reprodutiva: perceções dos estudantes do ensino superior

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.

The Integration of Gender Perspective into Young People's Sexuality Education in Spain and Portugal: Legislation and Educational Models

Throughout history, Sexuality Education (SE) has undergone many changes in formal education curricula. The education systems should incorporate SE and promote an understanding of sexuality from the critical perspective of gender. Objectives: To examine the approach to SE in young people in Spain and Portugal, considering the incorporation of the gender perspective, and analyze the legislation in both countries. A scoping review was conducted considering studies with SE programs, gender perspective, and legislation in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, without any time limits. The population consisted of young people aged 10 to 18 years who did not attend higher education. Databases used: CINAHL Complete, ERIC, LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Scopus, Open Access Scientific Repository of Portugal, Base de Datos de Tesis Doctorales, Theses and Dissertations Online, and governmental websites. Thirty-two studies were found, including intervention, diagnosis, and documental programs. Eight of the studies adopted the gender perspective. Legislation in both countries is vast, with 23 main references. Although SE is legislated in both countries, the social-health and educational programs are insufficient. The relevance of the gender perspective is not incorporated into SE.

Sexual and Gender Minorities and Risk Behaviours among University Students in Italy

Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) may experience stigma, discrimination and show higher prevalence of behavioural risk factors than heterosexual counterparts. In Italy, the information on SGM is scarce and outdated. The present cross-sectional study aims to provide a more up-to-date estimate of the SGM proportion in young adults and to assess differences in the adoption of risk behaviours compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The study involved university students aged 18-25. Information on socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics were collected. The effect of sexual orientation on risk behaviours was assessed with a multinomial single-step logistic regression analysis. A total of 9988 participants were included. Overall, 518 students (5.2%) self-identified as SGM. While lesbians showed significantly higher odds of only non-regular use of protective barriers (AOR: 11.16), bisexuals showed higher odds for frequent drinking (AOR: 2.67), smoking (AOR: 1.85), multiple sexual partnerships (AOR: 1.78) and non-regular use of protective barriers (AOR: 1.90) compared with heterosexual women. Gay men showed higher odds of multiple sexual partnerships compared with heterosexual males (AOR: 5.52). SGM accounted for 5.2% of the sample, slightly more than the proportion found in the general population, but substantially in line with similarly aged populations abroad. Our findings confirm that unhealthy risk behaviours are more frequent among LGBTQ+, in particular among bisexual women. Rather than targeting specific subpopulations, our study aims to show the need for health promotion interventions that aim at the empowerment of all students regardless of sexual orientation, being aware that SGMs can benefit to a relatively greater extent.

Temporal trend and factors associated to teenage pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the trend and factors associated to teenage pregnancy in a municipality in Paraná state.

METHOD

Ecological study conducted with registers of babies born to teenage mothers between 2000 and 2015 from the Birth Information System (Sistema de Informação sobre Nascimento). Proportions were calculated year by year for a trend analysis of teenage pregnancy. Two series of three-year periods were collected for an odds ratio analysis of associated factors.

RESULTS

The following variables were associated to teenage pregnancy: not having a partner; less than eight years of schooling; primiparity; gestational age shorter than thirty-seven weeks; caesarean section; less than seven appointments; and Apgar below seven in the first minute. A decline trend was observed among pregnant teenagers who had partners; growing trend for teenage expectant mothers who had more than eight years of schooling and premature birth; decline/growing for normal birth; growing for number of prenatal appointments; decline for first and fifth minute Apgar score; growing for congenital anomalies.

CONCLUSION

The analysis provided information that can be used to promote pregnancy prevention strategies and assistance to adolescent mothers.