O uso de preservativos e a prevenção de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis entre jovens universitários

Abstract

This study is integrated into the research “Sexuality and vulnerability of young people in times of Sexually Transmitted Infections” and has the general objective of analysing the use of preservatives by young university students in the perspective of prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). And as specific objectives: to describe the sexual conduct of young university students and the use of preservatives in their relationships and to understand the motivational aspects that favor (or not) the use of preservatives by university students of both sexes. Descriptive, qualitative research developed in a private university located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Thirty young people, 15 women and 15 men, aged 18 to 29 years, were participants in the study. The data collection occurred in three meetings with the university students, when the Focal Group technique was applied. To analyze the captured data in the focus groups, the technique of lexical analysis was employed, using the Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires (IRAMUTEQ) software, which assisted in the process of data organization. In the analysis of the findings, five classes emerged: the use of alcohol as a determinant of risk behavior for STI; the risk of contracting STI by multiple sexual partnerships; improper use of preservatives is associated to the risk of contracting STI; experience of young people who cohabit with people affected by IST and little information on prevention of STI and on the use of preservatives. The results reflect that the youth, in their sexual practices, are more concerned with the occurrence of an unplanned pregnancy. They believe that when using the pill as a contraceptive method, the use of the preservative is unnecessary. The misinformation and inconsistency in their attitude can make them vulnerable to acquire STI. In their descriptions, they showed the assumption of risk by the overuse of alcohol and/or drugs, the multiplicity of sexual partnerships and the discontinued use of the preservative that exposes them to the STI. It is concluded that the discontinued use (or no use) of preservatives by young university students favors the dissemination of STI, being a public health problem. The assumption of risk behaviors by young people shows vulnerability at the individual and social levels. The university, understood as a space of construction and reconstruction of knowledge (and values), concentrates a plurality of people who share different living habits. Some of these practices may compromise the health of college students, as the use/abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Spaces to stimulate the college students’ reflection about the importance of sexual health care, that could equip young people to experience sexuality in a healthy way, reducing exposure to STI, unwanted pregnancy and other risks, could contribute to the reduction of health injuries to this group.