Práticas de prevenção de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis adotadas por jovens universitárias

Abstract

Descriptive, quantitative and qualitative study, carried out in Rio de Janeiro, at a public university, which aimed to analyze the prevention practices of Sexually Transmitted Infections adopted by young university students. Quantitative data were applied to a sample of 276 students who answered a questionnaire in 2017. Qualitative data were collected from 27 students who participated in focus groups. The information was stored with the help of Excel 2007 and Word 2010 software. The quantitative findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the discursive ones using the categorical thematic content analysis technique. All ethical research procedures involving human beings, recommended by the National Health Council, were respected. Results: In the qualitative analysis, two categories emerged: Information as a resource for STI prevention and Health care practices adopted by young women; and a subcategory: Aspects that influence condom use. In the analysis of the findings, it was found that most participants are aged between 18-24 years; they are heterosexual; had their first sexual intercourse in the 15 to 18 age group; used condoms in the first sexual intercourse, but do not use this resource in all relationships. Students do not use condoms in affective relationships with fixed partners, however they do use them in relationships with occasional partners. It can be noted that the use of condoms during sexual intercourse is directly associated with the type of partnership, being more used when there is no trust in the sexual partner. As for the female condom, most students do not adopt due to the lack of knowledge, the difficulty of access and the discomfort. Negotiating the use of condoms is not a common practice for women, and in most situations this is a decision of sexual partners, as many do not verbalize their opinion. Alcohol is another factor that directly influences the use of condoms. The participants reported making sporadic use of alcohol, but did not use it before the last sexual intercourse. The young women sought health care in the last year, underwent gynecological and Pap tests. Conclusion: Study participants relate the practice of caring for sexual health with the use of condoms, although they do not always use this resource. Condom use is influenced by several factors that directly affect the adoption of this resource by young women. The university students highlighted the importance of health education to offer quality information to young people, being an important tool to resolve doubts and prevent injuries to sexual health.