SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES AND SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOURS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

Several factors, including sexual knowledge and attitudes, influence sexual behaviours among college students. Scientific research suggests that positive information and attitudes regarding condom use and sexually transmitted infections (STI) have a strong association with protective behaviours. This study aimed to analyze knowledge and attitudes about STIs and attitudes towards condom use. This a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of college students (n = 840) in one university in Portugal. A validated self-reported questionnaire was administered to a proportional stratified random sample of students. By analyzing the sexual risk behaviours of sexually active students in the last 12 months, it was found that 18.7% of respondents reported having two or more sexual partners, 60.1% did not always use or almost always a condom and 32.3% had sexual intercourse after ingesting alcohol or consuming illicit psychoactive substances. The level of knowledge about STI transmission is 3.99±1.194 (6 possible correct answers), and the level of attitudes towards STIs and condom use were moderate. University students present gaps in knowledge and attitudes about STIs and condom use that may condition the adoption of protective health behaviours. These results show the importance of promoting health in higher education, especially in the area of sexuality.