Prevalence of Pattern of Risky Behaviors for Reproductive and Sexual Health Among Middle- and High-School Students

Adalberto Campo-Arias,Guillermo Augusto Ceballo,Edwin Herazo

doi:10.1590/s0104-11692010000200005

Adalberto Campo-Arias, Guillermo Augusto Ceballo + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-11692010000200005

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Abstract

This research aimed to establish the prevalence and factors associated with the pattern of risky behavior for reproductive and sexual health (PRBRSH) among secondary education students in Santa Marta, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was done. The PRBRSH was defined as having had two or more out of four possible risky sexual practices across the lifetime. Logistic regression was calculated to control for confounding variables. In total, 804 students reported lifetime sexual intercourse. PRBRSH was reported by 36.1% of the sample. Illegal substance use (OR=11.4), alcohol drinking (OR=2.5), being a middle-school student (OR=1.7) and middle or high socioeconomic status (1.4) were associated with PRBRSH. Around one out of three adolescent students is at high risk for HIV infection or unwanted pregnancy. Safe sex practices need to be promoted in this population.

Highlights

In Colombia, approximately 25% of secondary education students inform previous sexual relations
The existence of a pattern of risky behavior for reproductive and sexual health (PRBRSH) has been proposed. This means that several sexual behaviors that represent risks for sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies are more frequent in the same group of adolescents
The concept of pattern of risky behaviors for health was proposed, which means that different behaviors that can undermine sexual and physical health are present in the same group of adolescents[5]

Summary

Introduction

In Colombia, approximately 25% of secondary education students inform previous sexual relations. The existence of a pattern of risky behavior for reproductive and sexual health (PRBRSH) has been proposed This means that several sexual behaviors that represent risks for sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies are more frequent in the same group of adolescents. The concept of pattern of risky behaviors for health was proposed, which means that different behaviors that can undermine sexual and physical health are present in the same group of adolescents[5]. Likewise, this group displays multiple risky behaviors, such as: cigarette consumption, antisocial behaviors and consumption of several possibly abuse substances[6]

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