A concepção de jovens universitários sobre a sexualidade e as práticas sexuais: interface com a cultura e religiosidade

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the influence of culture and religiosity on the sexuality of university students and as specific objectives: to identify the conception of university students about sexuality; describe how university students conceive the influence of cultural aspects and religiosity on sexuality and discuss the influencing factors of youth sexual behavior. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach and integrated with the project “Sexuality and vulnerability of young people in times of sexually transmitted infections”. The research scenario was a public higher education institution located in Rio de Janeiro. The study participants were young university students of both sexes, aged between 18 and 29 years and regularly enrolled in the respective institution. Data were collected using the focus group technique. The main topics of discussion were related to social aspects, sexual behavior, sexuality and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. For the treatment of the data, the technique of content analysis in thematic-categorical modality was used. From this analysis, three categories and subcategories emerged: the plural perception of university students about sexuality; factors influencing sexuality among university students and the influence of culture and religiosity on the sexual practices of young people. It is concluded that the sexual behavior of young people is influenced by cultural, social and religious aspects established by the social group to which they belong. In the same way, that interpersonal and affective relationships shape their attitudes.