The Prevalence of Risky Sexual Behaviors and Awareness of STDs Among Temporary Residents of Homeless Shelters in Tehran

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To describe the sexual behavior of freshmen undergraduate students according to demographic, economic, psychosocial and behavioral characteristics, and evaluate the prevalence of risky sexual behavior and its associated factors.METHODS A cross-sectional study of the census type with undergraduate students over 18 years old of 80 undergraduate courses of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), who entered in the first semester of 2017 and remained enrolled in the second semester. Undergraduate students who reported having had sex were evaluated. We considered as risky sexual behavior having more than one sexual partner within the last three months and not having used condoms in the last sexual intercourse.RESULTS The prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 9% (95%CI 7.6–10.5). Men presented more risky behavior than women, with a prevalence of 10.8% and 7.5%, respectively. Of the undergraduate students, 45% did not use condoms in the last sexual intercourse, and 24% had two partners or more within three months before the survey. Smartphone applications for sexual purposes were used by 23% of students within three months before the survey. Risky sexual behavior was associated with gender, age at first sexual intercourse, frequency of alcohol consumption, consumption of psychoactive substances before the last sexual intercourse and use of smartphone applications for sexual purposes.CONCLUSION Although undergraduate students are expected to be an informed population, the prevalence of risky sexual behavior was important, indicating the need to expand public investment in sexual education and awareness actions.

Risky sexual behaviour increases the vulnerability of an adolescents to reproductive health problems like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy and abortion. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and personal predictors of risky sexual behaviour among in-school adolescents in the Ikenne Local Government Area, of Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 716 participants for the study. A validated semi-structured questionnaire with a Cronbach's alpha score of 0.78 was used to collect data. Frequency and logistic regression analysis were conducted to give statistical responses to the research question and hypotheses using SPSS version 23. The mean age of the participants was 15.2 ± 1.4 years and 57.3% of the respondents were female. Above a quarter (35.5%) of the respondents were in senior secondary one (SS1) in high school. More than half (53.1%) of the respondents had a good level of knowledge about risky sexual behaviour and 54% of the respondents had a fair perception of it. The respondents' attitudes towards risky sexual behaviour was moderately high (61.2%). The respondents had moderately high (63.7%) self-esteem. The prevalence of risky sexual behaviour was 19.2%. The personal predictors of risky sexual behaviour are age [odds ratio (OR) = 3.21; p < 0.05); gender [OR = 1.86; confidence interval (CI): 1.26-2.69; p < 0.05]; perception (OR = 2.58; CI: 1.55-4.30; p < 0.05); attitude (OR = 4.58; CI: 1.61-13.05; p < 0.05); self-esteem (OR = 7.39; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the respondents' risky sexual behaviours are predicted by age, gender, attitude, perception and self-esteem. The study therefore recommends that educational materials about the negative effects of the risky sexual behaviours should be included in the curriculum of secondary schools.

Background: The prevalence of risky sexual behavior among HIV-infected adolescents is a public health challenge, especially in regions with a high HIV burden like Sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the prevalence and predictors of such behaviors among adolescents receiving care in a youth-friendly clinic in Kaduna, Nigeria. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary hospital's youth-friendly clinic, we analyzed data from 200 HIV-infected adolescents aged 13 to 19 years. The revised Risky Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) provided comprehensive data, which was subjected to logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors of risky sexual behaviors. Results: The study found a 45% prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among participants. Logistic regression analysis indicated significant predictors including male gender (OR = 2.1), lower education level (OR = 2.5), and poor HIV-related knowledge (OR = 2.8). Conclusions: Nearly half of the HIV-infected adolescents engaged in risky sexual practices, with significant predictors identified across gender, education, and HIV knowledge domains. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted educational and behavioral interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.

BackgroundIn China, men who have sex with men (MSM) face a high risk of HIV infection. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common in this population and leads to various adverse consequences, including risky sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and poor mental health, which pose huge challenges to HIV prevention and control.MethodsAn anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the lifetime prevalence of IPV and prevalence of risky sexual behaviors during the previous 6 months in a convenience sample of 578 MSM from 15 cities covering seven geographical divisions in mainland China. The associations between IPV and risky sexual behaviors and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on these associations were explored through univariate and multivariate regression analyses.ResultsThe prevalence rates of IPV perpetration and victimization were 32.5% and 32.7%, respectively. The proportions of participants who reported inconsistent condom use with regular or casual partners and multiple regular or casual sexual partners were 25.8%, 8.3%, 22.2%, and 37.4%, respectively. Multiple IPV experiences were positively associated with risky sexual behaviors; for example, any IPV victimization was positively associated with multiple regular partners, adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.54, 95% CI [1.02,2.32], and multiple casual partners, ORa = 1.93, 95% CI [1.33, 2.80]. Any IPV perpetration was positively associated with inconsistent condom use with regular partners, ORa = 1.58, 95% CI [1.04, 2.40], and multiple casual partners, ORa = 2.11, 95% CI [1.45, 3.06]. Self-efficacy was identified as a significant moderator of the association between multiple casual sexual partnership and emotional IPV.ConclusionsIn conclusion, given the high prevalence of both IPV and risky sexual behaviors among Chinese MSM in this study, the inclusion of self-efficacy in interventions targeting IPV and risky sexual behaviors should be considered.

IntroductionRisky sexual behaviour, which puts young people at greater risk of acquiring HIV AIDS and sexually transmitted infection, is a significant public health concern all around the world. In 2020,...

IntroductionSexual risky behaviors, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompass a spectrum of sexual activities that heighten the likelihood of negative outcomes related to sexual and reproductive health. Despite the implementation of various healthcare programs and interventions, youths continue to encounter challenges in accessing reproductive health services. Consequently, they remain vulnerable to engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors; 50.36% of adolescents in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among out-of-school Youths in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2023.MethodsA community based cross sectional mixed methods study was conducted among 701 youths in Addis Ababa from September 1st to 30th, 2023. The quantitative data were collected through face to face interview using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were gathered through in depth interviews and focus group discussions. For the quantitative study, the study samples were chosen using systematic sampling. Conversely, purposive sampling was employed for the qualitative study. Variables with P-value ≤ 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were considered as candidates for the multivariable analysis. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value less than 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of risky sexual behavior among out of school students in Addis Ababa was 40.6% (95%CI: 36.8, 44.1). Age 15–19 years (AOR: 2.52; 95%CI: 1.61, 3.94), being female (AOR: 2.84; 95%CI: 1.93, 4.18), fathers who were unable to read and write (AOR: 4.13; 95%CI: 2.04, 8.37), alcohol consumption (AOR: 2.07; 95%CI: 1.33, 3.19), peer pressure (AOR: 2.59; 95%CI: 1.81, 3.72), live together with either of biological parent (AOR: 2.32; 95%CI: 1.52, 3.55), watching pornography (AOR: 2.10; 95%CI: 1.11, 3.97) and parental monitoring (AOR: 0.59; 95%CI: 0.39, 0.90) were factors associated with risky sexual behavior.Conclusion and recommendationsA lower prevalence of risky sexual behavior compared to prior research efforts. Age, gender, educational level of the husband, alcohol consumption, peer pressure, living arrangements, exposure to pornography, and family monitoring emerged as significant factors associated with risky sexual behavior. Therefore, government should prioritize strategies to reduce substance use, mitigate the impact of watching pornography, and enhance parent-youth connectedness.

Background Risky Sexual Behaviours (RSB) describe sexual activities that increase the probability of experiencing negative consequences in the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of individuals. Research has documented an association between risky sexual behaviour and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of RSB among undergraduates in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among undergraduate students in Benin City, Nigeria. The University of Benin is one of Nigeria's first generation federal universities with about 75,000 students. A minimum sample size of 689 was calculated using the appropriate formulae for a descriptive study. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from the illustrative questionnaire for interviews-surveys with young people. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 22.0 software. A p-value &amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 690 undergraduates with a mean age (SD) of 20.42 ± 2.7 years and a male: female ratio of 1:1.3 participated in this study. Two hundred and eight respondents (30.1%) were sexually active. Of these, 47 (24.0%) respondents admitted to have multiple sexual partners, 36 (23.5%) cross-generational sex, 29 (14.8%) troilism, 29 (14.8%) transactional sex, 22 (11.2%) homosexualism, and non-vaginal sex, 22 (11.2%). Overall, 196 (38.5%) of the respondents engaged in RSBs. Age group (p &amp;lt; 0.001), sex (p &amp;lt; 0.001), and residing off-campus (p = 0.047) were significantly associated with RSBs. Conclusions RSB in the studied population was high and having multiple sexual partners was the most reported type of RSB. Health interventions targeted at this age group are important for current and future sexual health. Key messages The prevalence of risky sexual behaviour is high among young persons. Health interventions targeted at this age group are important for current and future sexual health of young persons.

BackgroundEngaging in unsafe sexual practices remains a major public health concern among young adults worldwide. Despite extensive global research, there is limited evidence from the Middle East, where sexuality is often a taboo subject and sexual education is minimal. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among university students in Lebanon and to identify factors associated with these behaviors, including substance use and engagement with social and digital media.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students at the Lebanese American University between May and November 2022. Participants completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, sexual history, and multimedia use. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29. For the count outcome, poisson regression was applied to identify factors associated with a higher number of risky sexual behaviors, defined as unprotected sex, multiple simultaneous partners, sexual activity under the influence of substances, or transactional sex.ResultsAmong 588 participants, 233 (39.6%) were sexually active, of whom 225 (96.6%) reported at least one risky sexual behavior, with a mean of 2.24 risky behaviors per participant. Unprotected oral sex was the most common unsafe practice. Students who reported drug use were significantly more likely to engage in a higher number of risky sexual behaviors (rate ratio = 1.73), as were those who reported sexual activity with someone they had just met (rate ratio = 1.39). Social media and dating application use were not significantly associated after adjustment.ConclusionRisky sexual behaviors are highly prevalent among university students in Lebanon. These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally adapted educational interventions addressing substance use and promoting safer sexual behaviors among young adults in the Middle East.

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) infection is still a global health challenge, better still a societal problem. Antiretroviral therapies have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV, making them potential subjects of transmission in the event of risky behavior. Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the study population, to determine the prevalence of risky sexual behavior, to identify the factors associated with risky sexual behavior in Brazzaville. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out between March and September 2022 in the care centers for PLHIV in Brazzaville. PLHIV receiving ART for at least six months who agreed to participate in the study were included. The socio-demographic characteristics, those relating to the disease, behaviour, psychosocial and those related to the desire for procreation were the variables studied. The statistical test used was Pearson's or FISHER's Chi2 and the odds ratio with adjustment. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: On these criteria, 1002 people living with HIV/ART were interviewed. They had an average age of 38.89 ± 9.45 years, a secondary education level n=688 (64.74%), an average socioeconomic level n=774 (77.24%). The prevalence of risky sexual behavior is 78.04%. Female sex (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.02-2.97), lack of pre-test counseling (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.17- 5.52), lack of knowledge modes of transmission (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.21-3.34), occasional partners (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.84-2.12), alcohol consumption before sexual relations (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-2.87), non-disclosure of serological status (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.07-2.22) and ignorance of the serological status of the Partner(s) (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.40-4.22) were associated with risky sexual behavior. Conclusion: The high prevalence of risky sexual behaviors and the importance of the associated factors identified require that positive prevention programs be strengthened while emphasizing enhanced communication for the development of a global approach to care for PLHIV by integrating sexual health.

Background Risky sexual behaviour raises serious public health concerns. The pooled prevalence of risky sexual behaviours among adults living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa was unknown. This systematic review determined the pooled prevalence of risky sexual behaviours and associated factors among HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods International databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and African Journals OnLine were systematically searched to identify articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline was used to conduct the review. All necessary data were extracted independently. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed by I-squared statistics and Egger's test, respectively. The random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. The association between predictors and dependent variable was determined by a pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Result In this study, 3713 articles were retrieved from various databases, and 22 of them were included. The pooled prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in sub-Saharan Africa was 36.16% (95% CI: 28.36-44.34) with significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 98.86%, p < 0.001). Risky sexual behaviour was significantly associated with the nondisclosure of HIV status (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.76) and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.36). Conclusion A significant percentage of participants engaged in risky sexual behaviour. Risky sexual behaviour was associated with failure to disclose HIV status and alcohol consumption. Healthcare professionals should advise HIV-positive patients on risk reduction measures like disclosing their HIV status to their sexual partners and avoiding alcohol use in order to promote consistent condom use. PROSPERO Protocol Registration. The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered (record ID: CRD42020170967, 09/06/2022).

BackgroundRisky sexual behaviors adversely affect the health of youth and young adults exposing them to sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy to females that in turn lead to deleterious health, social and economic consequences. Youth centers inform their clients on sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, high risk abortion, and other reproductive health problems. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among youth center reproductive health clinic users and non-users in Addis Ababa.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was carried out among 524 youth in Addis Ababa from March to April, 2016. The data was entered in EPI-INFO 7 software; and cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. The prevalence was computed. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was done to determine the strength, direction and significance of association between youth center reproductive health clinic utilization and risky sexual behavior and to control confounder variables respectively.ResultsA total of 524 youth with the response rate of 92% participated in the study. The overall prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 226 (43.1%) (With statistically significant difference in prevalence among users 101 (38.5%) and non-users 125 (47.7%) of youth center clinics, (p-value = 0.04). The odds of reporting risky sexual behavior was 60% higher among volunteers who did not use the reproductive health clinic, relative to those who did (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI = 1.08, 2.37). Teenagers aged 15–19 years were (AOR = 0.08; 95%CI = 0.05, 0.15) 92% less likely to practice risky sexual behavior compared to those aged 25–29 years old.ConclusionRisky sexual behavior was statistically significantly higher among non-users of the youth center reproductive health clinic compared with the users. In addition, a substantial proportion of the youth engaged in different risky sexual behaviors that are evidenced by the existence of multiple sexual partners, sexual practice without condom and early sexual debut that might predispose youth to STIs including HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy. The ministry of health and its partners should strengthen youth center reproductive health clinics in urban, semi-urban and rural parts of Ethiopia.

This study determined the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and its associated factors among clients who accessed HIV counselling and testing services at a secondary referral hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. A retrospective review of clients' records was conducted. The Client Intake Form of people who accessed HIV counselling and testing services at Mainland Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, were reviewed. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the associated factors of risky sexual behaviour. A total of 4273 client's records were analyzed, 3884 (90.9%) reported having sex before HIV counselling and testing (HCT). The prevalence of risky sexual behaviour among clients was 41.5%. More males and HIV positive clients had unprotected sex with a casual partner three months before HIV counselling and testing (p < 0.05). More singles than the married had unprotected sex with casual partners (p <0.001) and multiple sexual partners (p =0.002). The prevalence of risky sexual behaviour reduced with advancing age. Being single and having an HIV infection were associated with risky sexual behaviour in this study. Age, marital status and HIV status were associated factors of risky sexual behaviour.

Introduction: Anal cancer (AC) risk is greatly elevated among persons living with HIV (PLWH), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). The incidence of anal cancer among PLWH in Puerto Rico is 60.5 per 100,000 in MSM. Smoking and sexual behaviors may enhance anal cancer risk among PLWH. Therefore, we describe the prevalence of risk factors for AC, overall and by sexual risk group (MSM, women, and men who have sex with women [MSW]). We also evaluated receipt of cancer preventive strategies: HPV vaccination and AC screening, among a sample of PLWH in Puerto Rico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (Sept 2020 - Dec 2021) among PLWH ≥26 aged in Puerto Rico (n=212). Participants answered a phone interview that collected information on relevant characteristics. AC risk factors evaluated were current smoking, age of sexual initiation (≤15 years), lifetime anal sex, 10 or more lifetime sexual partners, history of AIDS, genital warts, and HPV infection. HPV vaccination and AC screening status were also evaluated. The overall and sexual risk group specific prevalence of AC risk factors and preventive behaviors were described. In addition, the prevalence ratio (PR) of the variables of interest, comparing the sexual risk groups, was estimated with 95% confidence intervals using Poisson regression. Results: Mean age of participants was 52.8 ± (SD=10.2); 44.1% were MSM, 23.2% were MSW, and 32.7% were women. Most PLWH had public health insurance (84.4%), an education level of high-school or less (45.7%), and 9.5% had a history of intravenous drug use. Regarding the prevalence of AC risk factors, 58.3% had 10 or more lifetime sex partners, 51% had their first sexual relationship at age ≤15 years, 29.3% were current smokers, and 75.8% of women had history of anal sex. In addition, 20.8% reported being diagnosed with AIDS, 16.5% had a history of genital warts, and 12.0% had HPV infection. Only 7.5% reported HPV vaccination and 52.2% reported ever having had an anal pap test. MSM had the highest prevalence of risky sexual behaviors, although no statistical difference was seen in the PRs. For preventive strategies, women (PR: 3.13, 95% CI 1.52-6.46) and MSM (PR: 3.42, 95% CI 1.70-6.90) had higher prevalence of anal pap uptake than MSW. Conclusion: Persons living with HIV in Puerto Rico had high prevalence of current smoking use and risky sexual behavior. Despite their increased risk of AC, and only over half had been screened for AC. Continued education and awareness about AC risk factors, smoking cessation, and importance of prevention strategies are important among PLWH. Citation Format: Sandra I. Garcia-Camacho, Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, Vivian Colon-Lopez, Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz, Ashish A. Deshmukh, Ana P. Ortiz. Anal cancer risk factors and utilization of cancer preventive strategies in people living with HIV in Puerto Rico. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4179.

Background: Risky sexual behaviors are the major factors in rising sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young adults. In Ethiopia construction industry is on increasing and deriving young people from rural area to the cities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and factors associated with among construction workers. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in March 2012 among construction workers in Bahir Dar city. The analysis was carried out using SPSS version 16. The data were analyzed in bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Result: The prevalence of risky sexual behavior among construction workers was 44.9%. Female workers were about four times more likely to have had risky sexual practices than males (AOR = 3.86, 95% CI: 2.34 - 6.37). Respondents whose educational level less than fourth grade were 12 times more likely to be engaged in risky sex than whose educational level tenth grade or more (AOR = 12.13, 95% CI: 1.84 - 79.78). Divorced individuals were about five times more likely to have had risky sexual activities than married individuals (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 1.32 - 16.12). Respondents whose first sexual commencement from 15 - 19 years were about three times more likely to have had risky sexual behavior than from 20 - 24 years (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.70 - 4.91). Besides, the odds of having risky sexual behaviour among construction workers who had sexual partner at the time of the study were about 0.6 times less likely to have had risky sexual behaviours than workers who did not have (AOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.96). Conclusion: The prevalence of risky sexual behavior among construction workers was 44.9%. Variables such as sex, educational level, marital status, age at first sexual intercourse, presence of current sexual partner and casual sex were found to be independent predictors of risky sexual behaviour. Therefore, interventions targeting on these factors were recommended.

Background: Like most African countries, Namibia has a large percentage of its population in the youthful age group, most of whom are in secondary school. In Namibia, the age of consent for sex is 16 years but, in most cases, children have their sexual debut way below the age of 16 years. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and the associated factors among secondary school youths aged 15-21 years in the Khorixas district of the Kunene Region in Namibia. Methods: This was a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 276 learners, selected from three public schools in the Khorixas district employing a cluster sampling technique. Information on demographics and factors associated with risky sexual behaviour was gathered. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software which included descriptive statistics generating frequencies and percentages. Results: The study revealed the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour among secondary school youths in Khorixas district, Kunene region of Namibia to be 78.9%. The risky sexual behaviour identified included multiple partners, nonuse of condoms and early sexual debut. Gender, place of residence, parental educational level, peer pressure, alcohol use/abuse, and watching pornographic content were some of the factors found to lead to risky sexual behaviour among the youths in this district of Namibia. Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour is common in secondary schools in Khorixas district of Namibia. This sexual behaviour may follow these youngsters to adulthood and may significantly affect their social and reproductive life. Complications resulting from risky sexual behaviour among school youths include contracting STIs and HIV, getting unwanted/unplanned pregnancies and dropping out of school prematurely.