Portuguese version of the Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale and psychometric properties among undergraduate students / Versão em português da Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale e propriedades psicométricas entre estudantes universitários

Abstract The condom use can be influenced by psychological and sociocultural aspects, which can be modulated by individual's attitudes. The aim was to propose a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale (Short-Form CAS), describing all procedures of translation, transcultural adaptation, and psychometric properties evaluation when applied to undergraduate students. A cross sectional study was conducted among students enrolled at University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Ribeirão Preto (n = 491; 61.2% female; average age: 22 years; standard deviation: four years). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed. A one-factor model with seven items exhibited good factorial validity and reliability, suggesting to be a better factorial solution of the Short-Form CAS in the sample. Few studies have been carried out on the behavioral factors associated with condom use in key populations, which can be exacerbated by a lack of appropriate scales. Therefore, the main contribution of the present study was to propose a simplified and transculturally adapted version of the Short-form CAS with some psychometric properties verified. Since the use of condoms is a component of the study of sexual risk behavior, this scale might be an option to be applied in various Brazilian population segments for this purpose.

Resumo O uso de preservativos pode ser influenciado por aspectos psicológicos e socioculturais, que podem ser modulados por atitudes individuais. O objetivo foi propor uma versão em português brasileiro da Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale (Short-Form CAS), descrevendo os procedimentos de tradução, adaptação transcultural e avaliação das propriedades psicométricas em uma amostra de universitários. Trata-se de estudo transversal com estudantes matriculados na Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Campus Ribeirão Preto (n = 491; 61,2% feminino; média de idade: 22 anos; desvio-padrão: quatro anos). Foi realizada análise fatorial confirmatória. O modelo unifatorial com sete itens apresentou boa validade fatorial e confiabilidade, sugerindo ser a melhor solução fatorial para a Short-Form CAS. Há poucos estudos sobre os fatores comportamentais associados ao uso de preservativos em populações-chave, o que pode ser influenciado pela falta de instrumentos. A principal contribuição deste estudo foi propor uma versão simples e adaptada transculturalmente da Short-Form CAS com algumas propriedades psicométricas verificadas. Uma vez que o uso de preservativos é um componente do comportamento sexual de risco, a escala se apresenta como uma nova opção para futuros estudos na população brasileira.

Risk-stratified analysis of sex risk behaviors and correlates among school-going adolescents in Argentina: insights from a national survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to address a critical gap in understanding adolescent sexual health risks in Argentina, a country that has undergone substantial socio-economic changes that made significant strides in education and healthcare. METHODS: A secondary data analysis of the 2018 Argentina Global School-based Student Health Survey was performed. In this study, 23,262 sexually active adolescents were categorized into four risk groups based on the predicted granular risk: number of sexual partners and condom use in their last sexual encounter. RESULTS: Males and older adolescents were more prone to high-risk sexual behaviors. Additionally, key psychosocial factors such as loneliness, anxiety, experiences of violence, and school absenteeism were significantly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Early alcohol use and recent experiences of hunger were also identified as strong predictors of heightened sexual risk behaviors. Conversely, positive parental engagement and awareness exhibited protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the necessity for policy interventions that focus on mental health support, parental involvement, and awareness of adolescent issues and activities.

Prevalence and factors associated with condom use among sexually active young women in Haiti: evidence from the 2016/17 Haiti demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Young women in Haiti remain vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. However, little is known about condom use among this population. This study examined the prevalence and the factors associated with condom use among sexually active young women in Haiti. METHODS: Data from the 2016/17 Haiti demographic and health survey were used. The prevalence and the factors associated with condom use among sexually active young women in Haiti were assessed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of condom use was 15.4% (95% CI 14.0-16.8). Being teenage (AOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.04-1.74), living in urban areas (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.04-1.90), having higher education level (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.44-4.00), being in the middle or rich category of household wealth index (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.53-3.53 and AOR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.90-4.52), having correct knowledge of ovulatory cycle (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.30-2.10), having 2-3 lifetime sexual partners and one lifetime sexual partner (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.36-3.06 and AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.35-3.17) had significantly higher odds of using condom. In addition, sexually active young women whose last partner was their boyfriend (AOR = 4.38; 95% CI: 2.82-6.81), and those whose last partner was a friend/casual acquaintance/commercial sex worker (AOR = 5.29; 95% CI: 2.18-12.85) were associated with increased likelihood of using condom compared with their counterparts whose partner was their spouse. CONCLUSION: The Haitian government as well as institutions involved in sexual health should consider these factors when designing sexual and reproductive health interventions targeting young women. More specifically, to increase condom use and reduce risky sexual behaviors, they should combine efforts to raise awareness and induce sexual behavioral changes at two levels. In the education system, they should reinforce sexual education in primary and secondary schools while paying special attention to rural areas. In the whole society, it is important to deepen efforts toward increased awareness on family planning and condom use, through mass media and local organizations including religious ones. Priority should be given to the poorer households, young people and women, and rural areas, in order to maximize reduction in early and unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. Interventions should include a condom price subsidy and a campaign to destigmatize condom use which is actually a "male affair".

Percepciones asociadas a conductas sexuales de riesgo / Perceptions associated with risky sexual behaviors

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar en un grupo de jóvenes tabasqueños las percepciones asociadas con conductas sexuales de riesgo. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio mixto y transversal, realizado con un muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia de 60 personas, quienes cumplían con los criterios de inclusión (18-25 años) pertenecientes al estado de Tabasco, 30 hombres y 30 mujeres. Se les aplicó la encuesta de salud y hábitos sexuales. Resultados: Las mujeres señalaron como sus mayores fuentes de educación sexual a los médicos (30%) y a sus madres (23%); mientras que, en el grupo de los hombres, fueron médicos, amistades, libros, etc. Para la percepción de riesgo de contraer VIH con el comportamiento sexual actual, los hombres percibieron mayor riesgo de contagio que las mujeres. Relacionado con las medidas que protegen del VIH, el uso del preservativo fue el método identificado como el más seguro, tanto en hombres (96.66%) como en mujeres (100%). En segundo lugar, se reconoció la opción "hacerse pruebas con frecuencia"; sin embargo, el 65% señaló nunca haberse realizado la prueba de VIH. Acerca del uso de los preservativos, en ambos grupos, predominaron respuestas, tales como, "son complicados de usar", "crean desconfianza en la pareja", entre otras. Sobre la percepción de los mecanismos a través de los cuales se podría adquirir el VIH, los 60 (100%) encuestados marcaron que el VIH se transmite a través de las relaciones sexuales; sin embargo, la opción "por picadura de mosquito" fue elegida por 3 (10%) hombres y una mujer (3.33%). Conclusiones: Las percepciones erróneas pueden ser determinantes para acceder a prácticas sexuales inseguras. Identificar las percepciones equivocadas, las fuentes, calidad y veracidad de la información en temas de sexualidad, así como los factores de riesgo y de protección, puede servir para diseñar intervenciones psicoeducativas eficientes, como estrategia de prevención para los adolescentes y los jóvenes.

Abstract: Objective: To identify youth perceptions associated to risky sexual behaviors in a group of teenagers from Tabasco. Material and methods: It is a mixed, cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling which was carried out at the convenience of 60 people who met the inclusion criteria (18-25 years old) belonging to the state of Tabasco, consisting of 30 women and 30 men. Health and sexual habits surveys were applied to them. Results: Women indicated doctors (30%) and their mothers (23%) as their main sources of sexual education; while, in the group of men, they referred to doctors, friends, books, etc. For the perception of risk of acquiring HIV with current sexual behavior, men perceived a higher risk of infection in comparison to women. In relation of measures that protect against HIV, the use of condoms was identified as the safest method, both in men (96.66%) and in women (100%). The second safest option they referred to was "to get tested frequently"; however, 65% reported never having an HIV test in the past. Regarding the use of condoms, in both groups, responses predominated, such as, "they are difficult to use", "they create mistrust in the partner", among others. Concerning about the perception of mechanisms through which HIV could be acquired, 60 participants (100%) indicated that HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse; however, the option "by mosquito bite" was chosen by 3 men (10%) and one woman (3.33%). Conclusions: Wrongful perceptions can be decisive in the practice of unsafe sexual practices. Identifying misperceptions, sources, quality and veracity of information on sexuality issues, as well as risk and protective factors, can be useful to design efficient psychoeducational interventions as a prevention strategy for adolescents and the youth.

Diseño y validación de la Escala de Percepción del Riesgo para Conducta Sexual en jóvenes ecuatorianos / Design and validation of the Risk Perception Scale for Sexual Behavior in Ecuadorian Youth

Resumen Introducción: Ser capaces de percibir el riesgo que suponen algunas conductas se asocia a la toma de decisiones protectoras y promotoras de la salud. A pesar de que esta relación es consistente en el caso de comportamientos sexuales, no existe un instrumento culturalmente adaptado al contexto ecuatoriano que evalúe este tipo de percepciones en adolescentes y jóvenes. El objetivo del estudio fue diseñar la "Escala de Percepción del Riesgo para Conducta Sexual en jóvenes ecuatorianos" y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas. Método: Participaron 1822 estudiantes universitarios, con edades entre 16 y 25 años. La escala final contiene 27 ítems. Resultados: El análisis factorial exploratorio determinó la presencia de cuatro subescalas: percepción del riesgo sobre conductas sexuales, percepción del uso del preservativo, conocimiento de los antecedentes sexuales de la pareja y fuente de información sobre sexualidad. El análisis factorial confirmatorio corroboró la estructura factorial con ajuste moderado. Los resultados de la fiabilidad del instrumento arrojaron una consistencia interna excelente. Asimismo, se observó una alta estabilidad, garantizando la fiabilidad test-retest. Conclusión: Se presenta un instrumento fiable y válido para la evaluación de la capacidad de los jóvenes para discernir qué conductas en el marco de la sexualidad podrían suponer un riesgo o una protección para su salud.

Abstract Introduction: Being able to perceive the risk posed by some behaviors is associated with making protective and health-promoting decisions. Although this relationship has been shown to be consistent in the case of sexual behaviors, there is no instrument culturally adapted to the Ecuadorian context that evaluates this type of perceptions in adolescents and young people. The aim of the study was to design the "Risk Perception Scale for Sexual Behavior in Ecuadorian Youth" and analyze its psychometric properties. Method: 1822 university students participated, aged between 16 and 25 years. The final scale contains 27 items. Results: The exploratory factor analysis determined the presence of four subscales: Perception of risk regarding sexual behavior; Perception of condom use; Knowledge of the partner's sexual history and Source of information on sexuality. The confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the factor structure with moderate adjustment. The instrument reliability results showed excellent internal consistency. Likewise, a high stability was observed, guaranteeing test-retest reliability. Conclusion: A reliable and valid instrument is presented for evaluating the ability of young people to discern which behaviors in the context of sexuality could pose a risk or protection to their health.

Comportamentos sexuais durante a pandemia da Covid-19: representações sociais de homens gays e heterossexuais

Objetivo. O presente artigo objetivou comparar as representações sociais (RS) entre grupos de homens gays e heterossexuais sobre os comportamentos sexuais face ao isolamento social decorrente da pandemia da Covid-19. Método. Participaram 200 homens (100 heterossexuais e 100 homossexuais), com médias de idade de 27,06 e 28,12, respectivamente. Utilizou-se um formulário sociodemográfico on-line e uma entrevista semiestruturada com duas perguntas disparadoras para apreensão das RS. Os dados foram analisados pelo software IRAMUTEQ. Resultados. Verificou-se similaridades em ambos os grupos quanto a vida sexual ativa e uso de tecnologias para Sexting e acesso a pornografia. Entretanto, os homossexuais divergem na estrutura representacional ao buscarem estas estratégias compensatórias em maior quantidade, em razão de relacionamentos com pouca duração e/ou pouca união estável. Conclui-se que o distanciamento físico desvela intercorrências heterogêneas à vida afetivo-sexual nessa nova realidade social.

Objective. This article aimed to compare the social representations between groups of gay and heterosexual men about sexual behavior as a result of social isolation from the Covid-19 pandemic. Method. 200 men participated (100 heterosexuals and 100 homosexuals) with average age of 27.06 and 28.12, respectively. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used for sample characterization and a semi-structured interview for the apprehension of SR, with data processed by the IRAMUTEQ software. Results. Similarities were found in both groups in terms of active sex life and the use of technologies for sexing and access to pornography. However, homosexuals diverge in the representational structure when seeking greater compensatory strategies for having more stable civic states. It is concluded that physical distance reveals heterogeneous intercurrences to affective-sexual life in this new social reality.

Comportamentos sexuais de risco, orientação sexual, uso de substâncias e saúde mental: Um estudo de base populacional no Brasil / Risky sexual behaviors, sexual orientation, substance use, and mental health: A population-based study in Brazil

A presente tese trata-se de um estudo de prevalências e associações no âmbito da sexualidade e dos comportamentos sexuais. Foram utilizados os dados do novo módulo de atividade sexual incluído na Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) em 2019 voltado para a população de 18 anos ou mais de idade (n=85.859). No primeiro artigo, foi traçado um panorama dos comportamentos sexuais de risco na população adulta relacionados ao não uso de preservativo na última relação sexual e à iniciação sexual precoce (antes dos 15 anos). Foram calculadas as prevalências, e respectivos intervalos de confiança (IC), dos desfechos segundo características socioeconômicas, demográficas e regionais da população. Observou-se que a iniciação sexual precoce é mais prevalente entre pessoas das gerações mais novas, com menores níveis de instrução e rendimento domiciliar. O não uso de preservativo foi mais prevalente entre mulheres, mais velhos e casados ou em coabitação. Foram observadas disparidades relevantes no não uso do preservativo entre os sexos no grupo dos que não coabitam com parceiro. No segundo artigo, avaliou-se a associação entre o consumo pesado de álcool e o uso inconsistente de preservativo entre pessoas de 18 a 59 anos solteiras, viúvas ou divorciadas que não coabitavam com parceiro (n=15.835). Foram estimadas razões de prevalências ajustadas (RPa) com modelos de regressão de Poisson estratificados por sexo e grupos de idade. Verificou-se que indivíduos de todas as faixas etárias e ambos os sexos com padrão de consumo pesado de álcool foram significativamente mais propensos ao uso inconsistente de preservativo que os demais. As estimativas obtidas não foram consideradas estatisticamente diferentes entre adultos jovens (RPa 1,32, IC 95%: 1,14-1,54) e de meia idade (RPa 1,31; IC 95%: 1,19-1,44 para pessoas de 25 a 39 e RPa 1,26; IC 95%: 1,13-1,40 para 40 a 59 anos). No terceiro e último artigo da presente tese, o uso de substâncias (álcool e tabaco) e a depressão foram analisados segundo a orientação sexual autoidentificada da população adulta. Foram estimadas as prevalências e razões de prevalência ajustadas por meio de modelos de regressão de Poisson estratificados por sexo para cada um dos desfechos analisados. Após controle por covariáveis, homens gays apresentaram maior prevalência de depressão, uso diário de tabaco e uso nocivo de álcool e tabaco (RPa entre 1,71 e 1,92) e homens bissexuais com maiores prevalências (quase três vezes) de depressão que homens heterossexuais. Mulheres lésbicas apresentaram maior prevalência de binge drinking, heavy drinking, uso diário de tabaco e uso nocivo de álcool e tabaco que mulheres heterossexuais (RPa entre 2,55 e 4,44). Entre as mulheres bissexuais os resultados foram significativos para todos os desfechos analisado (RPa variou entre 1,83 e 3,26). Sendo assim, essa tese fornece evidências relevantes para subsidiar ações em saúde pública que visem a redução de comportamentos sexuais de risco e das disparidades em saúde relacionadas a orientação sexual da população adulta brasileira.

This thesis is a study of prevalence and associations in the scope of sexuality and sexual behavior. Data are from the new module of sexual activity included in the National Health Survey (PNS, for its Portuguese acronym) in 2019, aimed at the population aged 18 and over (n=85,859). In the first article, a panorama of risky sexual behaviors in the adult population related to the non-use of condoms in the last sexual intercourse and early sexual initiation (before 15 years of age) was performed. Prevalence, and respective confidence intervals (CI), of the outcomes were calculated according to socioeconomic, demographic and regional characteristics of the population. It was observed that early sexual initiation is more prevalent among younger generations, with lower education levels and household income. Non-use of condoms was more prevalent among women, older people and married/cohabiting with a partner. Relevant disparities in non-use of condom between the sexes were observed in the non-cohabiting unmarried group. In the second article, the association between heavy alcohol consumption and inconsistent condom use was investigated among unmarried not cohabiting with a partner people aged 18 to 59 years (n=15,835). Adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) were estimated with Poisson regression models stratified by sex and age groups. It was observed that individuals from all age groups and both sexes who have heavy drinking pattern were significantly more likely to inconsistent condom use. The estimates were not considered statistically different between young (APR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.14-1.54) and middle-aged adults (APR 1.31; 95% CI: 1.19-1.44 for aged 25 to 39 and APR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.13-1.40 for aged 40 to 59 years). In the third and last article of this thesis, substance use (alcohol and tobacco) and depression were analyzed according to the self-identified sexual orientation of the adult population. Prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression models stratified by sex for each outcome. After controlling for covariates, gay men had a higher prevalence of depression, daily tobacco use and hazardous use of alcohol and tobacco (APR between 1.71 and 1.92) and bisexual men had a higher prevalence (almost three times) of depression than heterosexual men. Lesbian women had a higher prevalence of binge drinking, heavy drinking, daily tobacco use and hazardous use of alcohol and tobacco than heterosexual women (APR between 2.55 and 4.44). Among bisexual women, the results were significant for all outcomes analyzed (APR ranged between 1.83 and 3.26). Therefore, this thesis provides relevant evidence to support public health actions aimed at reducing risky sexual behavior and health disparities related to sexual orientation in the Brazilian adult population.

Conductas sexuales de riesgo en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios argentinos: relación con consumo de sustancias, inicio sexual temprano e impulsividad rasgo / Risky sexual behaviors in a sample of Argentinean college students: Relationship with substance use, early sexual onset and trait-like impulsivity

Resumen Introducción: Los adultos emergentes universitarios son particularmente vulnerables a presentar consumo abusivo de sustancias y conductas sexuales de riesgo (CSR), lo que incrementa el riesgo de contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) o embarazo no deseado. Objetivo: Examinar, en universitarios, si el tipo de consumo de sustancias (alcohol versus uso concurrente de alcohol y marihuana) y el nivel de impulsividad rasgo se asocian con la frecuencia de CSR con parejas ocasionales. Método: Una muestra de 467 estudiantes completó una encuesta online que medía frecuencia de CSR, ocurrencia de consumo de alcohol y de marihuana en el último año y nivel de impulsividad. Resultados: Los consumidores de alcohol y marihuana, comparados con los consumidores de alcohol, reportaron mayor promedio de parejas sexuales al año y mayor arrepentimiento por no cuidarse contra ITS/embarazo. Los participantes con uso concurrente de sustancias, y niveles medios y altos en las facetas de impulsividad, falta de perseverancia y de premeditación, mostraron mayor frecuencia de encuentros sexuales que los consumidores de alcohol o con baja impulsividad. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren que el uso concurrente de sustancias y ciertas facetas de impulsividad se asocian a una mayor frecuencia de determinadas CSR. Esta información podría ser útil para intervenir preventivamente en CSR en universitarios argentinos.

Abstract Introduction: College students, a subpopulation of emerging adults, are particularly vulnerable to exhibit substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors. These behaviors put people at risk for sexually transmitted infections and/or unwanted pregnancy. Aim: To examine, in college students, whether the pattern of substance use (i.e., alcohol versus co-use of alcohol and marijuana) and the level of impulsivity are associated with the frequency of risky sexual behaviors with occasional partners. Method: A sample of 467 college students completed an online survey that assessed the frequency of risky sexual behaviors, past-year alcohol and marijuana use and trait-like impulsivity. Results: Alcohol/marijuana co-users, compared with alcohol users, reported a higher average of sexual partners per year and greater feelings of regret following careless sexual encounters. Co-users with medium or high levels in lack of perseverance and lack of premeditation (i.e., two facets of impulsivity) reported higher frequency of sexual encounters than alcohol users and/or students with low impulsivity. Conclusions: Findings suggest substance co-use, alongside different facets of impulsivity, are associated with greater frequency of specific risky sexual behaviors. These findings could better inform interventions aimed at prevent risky sexual behaviors in Argentinean college students.

Preliminary Findings of the Links Between Gender Role Attitudes and Sexual Behaviors in Mexican American Early Adolescent Boys.

This study explored the relations between Latino gender role attitudes (traditional machismo attitudes and caballerismo attitudes) and sexual behaviors among 242 Mexican American early adolescent boys in the southwest United States. Specifically, a multiple mediator model estimated the association between gender role attitudes and sexual activity through a mediational pathway connecting substance use, sexual motives, and peer influence. Results from analyzing this structural equation model indicated that traditional machismo attitudes were not associated with sexual behaviors. Caballerismo gender role attitudes, however, were indirectly linked with reduced sexual motives and substance via peer influence. This study underscores the importance of social context, behavior, and psychological motivations in explaining differences in sexual motives and substance use among young Mexican American adolescent boys who hold different kinds of beliefs about their gender.

Dating Applications, Sexual Behaviors, and Attitudes of College Students in Brazil's Legal Amazon.

Although dating applications (apps) have become popular among young adults, there is a dearth of information regarding the sexual health implications among Brazilian college students. This study examined risky sexual behavior and attitudes of dating app users, based on their sex in Brazil's Legal Amazon. Three hundred and fifty-nine students reported their sociodemographic data, dating app use, and sexual behaviors and attitudes through self-administered questionnaires. Bivariate analyses and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed. Dating app use was reported by 238 (66.3%) subjects, most of whom had an encounter and sex with a casual partner. Women frequently requested condom use. Trust in one's partner or having repeated encounters were the main reasons for engaging in risky sexual behavior. Men had a greater number of sexual partners and less protective attitudes. Sexual health awareness by apps was not reported by 97% of women, and most of them were not tested for sexually transmitted infections. A positive attitude toward sexual health was not a predictor of safe sex. Important similarities and differences regarding risky sexual behaviors and attitudes were observed between the sexes, many of which correlated with increased sexual vulnerability during the sexual encounters arranged through the dating apps. This cross-sectional study supports efforts on sexual health promotion and sexual education implementation in the face of growing usage of apps among young adults for sexual matters.

Calidad de la educación sexual recibida en el contexto escolar y su asociación a conductas sexuales en adolescentes chilenos, según datos VIII Encuesta Nacional de la Juventud / Quality of sexual education received in the school context and its association with sexual behaviors in Chilean adolescents, according to data from the VIII National Youth Survey

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la calidad de la educación sexual recibida en el contexto escolar y su asociación a conductas sexuales en adolescentes chilenos. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal y analítico. La muestra correspondió a adolescentes de ambos sexos de 15 a 19 años, se obtuvo de una base de datos con representación nacional. Se evaluó la calidad de la educación sexual recibida en el contexto escolar como buena, regular y mala. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y de asociación entre las variables. Se calculó OR (Odds ratio) y RRR (Relative-risk ratios) ajustado por sexo, edad en años cumplidos, grupo socioeconómico y zona. RESULTADOS: La muestra correspondió a 1.049 adolescentes sexualmente activos, de estos el 21,83% correspondió al grupo con evaluación mala, 44,16% con evaluación regular y 34,01% con evaluación buena. La razón entre adolescentes que no usaron condón en la última relación sexual versus usaron condón, es 1,64 veces mayor en los adolescentes con evaluación mala de la educación sexual recibida (OR: 1,64; IC95%: 1,01 - 2,68). La razón entre adolescentes que tuvieron dos o más parejas sexuales en el último año versus ninguna o una, es 2,15 veces mayor en los adolescentes con evaluación mala de la educación sexual recibida (OR: 2,15; IC95%: 1,30 - 3,56). CONCLUSIÓN: Los participantes de este estudio evalúan la educación sexual recibida mayoritariamente como regular, existiendo una asociación con las conductas sexuales. Es importante realizar estudios en profundidad que permitan conocer por qué los adolescentes evalúan sólo como regular la educación sexual recibida en el sistema escolar.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of the sexual education received in the school context and its association with sexual behaviors in Chilean adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional and analytical study. The sample corresponded to adolescents of both sexes from 15 to 19 years old, it was obtained from a database with national representation. The quality of the sexual education received in the school context was evaluated as good, regular and bad. Descriptive and association analysis were performed between the variables. OR (Odds ratio) and RRR (Relative-risk ratios) adjusted for sex, age in completed years, socioeconomic group and area were calculated. RESULTS: The sample corresponded to 1,049 sexually active adolescents, of these, 21.83% corresponded to the group with bad "Evaluation", 44.16% with regular "Evaluation" and 34.01% with good "Evaluation". The ratio among adolescents who did not use a condom in the last sexual relationship versus those who used a condom is 1.64 times higher in adolescents with a poor evaluation of sexual education received (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.01 - 2.68). The ratio among adolescents who had two or more sexual partners in the last year versus those who had neither or one, is 2.15 times higher in adolescents with poor evaluation of sexual education received (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.30 - 3.56). CONCLUSION: The participants of this study evaluate the sexual education received mostly as regular, with an association with sexual behaviors. It is important to conduct in-depth studies that allow us to know why adolescents evaluate the sexual education received in the school system as regular only.

Demographic and psychiatric correlates of compulsive sexual behaviors in gambling disorder.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gambling disorder (GD) and compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) may commonly co-occur. Yet, the psychiatric correlates of these co-occurring disorders are an untapped area of empirical scrutiny, limiting our understanding of appropriate treatment modalities for this dual-diagnosed population. This study examined the demographic and clinical correlates of CSB in a sample of treatment-seeking individuals with GD (N = 368) in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Psychiatrists and psychologists conducted semi-structured clinical interviews to identify rates of CSB and other comorbid psychiatric disorders. The Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire was administered to assess additional addictive behaviors. The TCI and BIS-11 were used to assess facets of personality. Demographic and gambling variables were also assessed. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 24 (6.5%) met diagnostic criteria for comorbid CSB (GD + CSB). Compared to those without compulsive sexual behaviors (GD - CSB), individuals with GD + CSB were more likely to be younger and male. No differences in gambling involvement emerged. Individuals with GD + CSB tended to have higher rates of psychiatric disorders (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bulimia nervosa) and engage in more addictive behaviors (problematic alcohol use, drug use, and exercise) compared to GD - CSB. Those with GD + CSB evidenced less self-directedness, cooperativeness, self-transcendence, and greater motor impulsivity. Logistic regression showed that the predictors of GD + CSB, which remained in the final model, were being male, a diagnosis of bulimia, greater gambling severity, and less self-transcendence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Given those with GD + CSB evidence greater psychopathology, greater attention should be allocated to this often under studied comorbid condition to ensure adequate treatment opportunities.

Funcionamiento familiar y conducta sexual de riesgo en adolescentes de la comunidad de Yanayacu, 2015-2016 / Family functioning and risky sexual behavior in adolescents in the community of Yanayacu, 2015-2016

Introducción: El inicio de las relaciones sexuales en edades tempranas de la vida supone riesgo biológico, psicológico y social que hacen disfuncionales a muchas familias a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia del funcionamiento familiar y la conducta sexual de riesgo en adolescentes de la comunidad de Yanayacu. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, relacional, transversal para evaluar la influencia del funcionamiento familiar y la conducta sexual de riesgo en adolescentes de la comunidad de Yanayacu. Resultados: El 49,3 por ciento habían iniciado su vida sexual; las conductas de riesgo identificadas fueron: inicio temprano de la vida sexual, no uso de preservativo y más de dos parejas sexuales con una P < 0,05, según sexo. En cuanto al conocimiento de prevención de estas conductas, mencionaron en su mayoría al preservativo, pero menos de 40 por ciento lo practicaban; 54 por ciento de adolescentes con vida sexual pertenecían a familias disfuncionales y moderadamente funcionales con una tipología familiar ampliada y extensa. Conclusiones: Las familias extensas y ampliadas con una dinámica familiar disfuncional y moderadamente funcional, provocan mayor frecuencia de conductas sexuales de riesgo. El nivel de comunicación, calidez y la cercanía desempeñan un papel muy importante como protectores de estas conductas(AU)

Introduction: The onset of sexual relations at early ages of life involves biological, psychological and social risk that make many families dysfunctional worldwide. Objective: To determine the influence of family functioning and risky sexual behavior among adolescents in the community of Yanayacu. Material and Methods: An observational, relational, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the influence of family functioning and risky sexual behavior among adolescents in the community of Yanayacu. Results: 49.3 percent had started their sexual life; the risk behaviors identified were: early onset of sexual life, no condom use, and more than two sexual partners with a P <0.05, according to sex. As for prevention knowledge of these behaviors, they mostly mentioned the use of condoms, but less than 40 percent used them; 54 percent of sexually active adolescents belonged to dysfunctional and moderately functional families with an extended family typology. Conclusions: Extended families with dysfunctional and moderately functional family dynamics, cause a greater frequency of risky sexual behaviors. The level of communication, warmth and closeness play a very important role as protectors of these behaviors(AU)

College women, HPV genotyping and sexual behavior before HPV vaccination: Results from samples stored for a long time.

HPV is the sexually transmitted agent most common among young people, like college students. The aim of study was to associate sexual behavior characteristics of women with HPV, detected in genital samples taken before the introduction of the HPV vaccine. Female students during 2001-2005 donated genital samples and the samples were re-analyzed in 2013 for HPV genotyping by RT-PCR. The frozen storage of the students' genital samples allowed the detection of HPV DNA and its genotyping after years of sample collection. HPV prevalence was 22%, HPV16 3.9%, and HPV18 1.1%. Age, multiple sexual partners and the partner's age at first sexual intercourse were significantly associated to HPV. Students with ≥ 3 sexual partners and who did not use condom had 12.8 higher odds of being HPV positive. These results made possible the analysis of HPV prevalence changes, before HPV vaccine introduction.

Afectos y conductas sexuales en adolescentes: diferencias y semejanzas en dos culturas, España y Colombia / Sexual feelings and behaviors in adolescents: differences and similarities in two cultures, Spain and Colombia

Resumen Este trabajo pretende identificar las posibles diferencias de género en afectos y conductas sexuales de España y Colombia. La muestra total fue de 508 participantes de centros de educación secundaria, 270 en España y 238 en Colombia, de edades entre los 15 y 18 años y con una media de edad de 16.4 años. Los resultados obtenidos muestran un doble patrón en varones y mujeres, tanto en España como en Colombia, especialmente en relación a los afectos sexuales y no tanto en las conductas sexuales.

Abstract This work aims to identify gender differences in sexual behaviors and feelings between adolescents living in Spain and Colombia. A total of 508 participants from secondary schools, 270 from Spain and 238 from Colombia, took part in this study. The age of the participants ranged from 15 and 18 years. The results showed a double standard for men and women, both in Spain and Colombia, especially in relation to sexual feelings rather than on sexual behavior.

Geographical variation in sexual behavior and body traits in a sex role reversed wolf spider.

Mating partners need to recognize, assess each other, and exchange information through behavioral events that occur before, during, and after mating. Sexual signals, as well as life history traits, are influenced by selective pressures and environmental factors that can vary across distant geographical areas. Allocosa senex is a sand-dwelling wolf spider which constructs burrows along the sandy coasts of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Females are the mobile sex that searches for males and initiates courtship. They prefer males which construct longer burrows, and males prefer virgin females in good body condition. The objective of this study was to compare sexual behavior patterns, as well as body characteristics and burrow dimensions, between two geographically distant locations of A. senex, one in Uruguay (Uruguayan location) and the other from central Argentina (Argentinean location). We found differences in the number of male abdominal vibrations, male and female touches during mating, and number of erections of male leg spines, which all were higher in matings of Argentinean pairs. On the other hand, male body mass and female body condition were higher in Uruguayan individuals. The wide distribution of A. senex could be determining variations in the biotic and abiotic features that affect the species, generating differences in the strength of selective forces acting on individuals from the two studied locations.

Latent classes of sexual behaviors: Prevalence, predictors, and consequences.

Scholars of adolescent and emerging adult sexuality have recently begun to study how diverse patterns of sexual behaviors contribute to development and well-being. A person-oriented approach to studying sexual behaviors provides a nuanced understanding of sexual repertoires. The goals of this paper were to document patterns of sexual behaviors ranging from kissing to penetrative sex, and to examine how latent classes of behaviors, gender, and partner type (romantic vs. nonromantic) predict intra- and interpersonal consequences of sexual behaviors. Latent class analysis of a stratified random sample of U.S. college students revealed four classes of sexual behaviors: Kissing Only, Kissing and Touching, All Behaviors, and Oral and Penetrative Only. Compared to individuals in the All Behaviors class, individuals in the Kissing Only class were less likely to experience a positive or a negative intrapersonal consequence of sexual behaviors. Men were less likely to report a negative intrapersonal consequence than women were. Partner type predicted negative interpersonal consequences for the All Behaviors class. Implications are discussed in terms of normative sexual development, prevention, and sexual and relationship education.

Links among Familial Gender Ideology, Media Portrayal of Women, Dating, and Sexual Behaviors in African American, and Mexican American Adolescent Young Women: A Qualitative Study.

Utilizing grounded theory methodology and drawing from sexual script theory as a research lens, we examined familial gender ideologies, media portrayals of Black and Latina women, dating attitudes, and sexual behaviors among 33 low-income early adolescent (aged 11-14) African American and Mexican American young women. Themes revealed divergent experiences for African American and Mexican American young women. In particular, African American participants reported egalitarian familial gender ideologies and sexual objectification of Black women, as well as more open and positive attitudes toward dating and sexuality. In contrast, Mexican American participants reported patriarchal familial gender ideologies and the portrayed mistreatment of Latinas in telenovelas and Spanish language songs, along with cautious attitudes towards dating and sexuality. Additionally, Mexican American participants reported that they censored their communication about sexual matters with their family. Overall, findings suggest that interventions should be tailored accordingly for African American and Mexican American youth. Interventions with African American young women should focus on providing accurate information on safer sexual practices, whereas interventions with Mexican American young women should focus on promoting constructive conceptualizations of gender roles, which could help foster self-efficacy around sexual communication with parents and potential partners.

Internet-based educational intervention to prevent risky sexual behaviors in Mexican adolescents: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Risky sexual behaviors of adolescents in Mexico are a public health problem; 33.4 % of adolescent girls and 14.7 % of boys report not having used any protection at their first intercourse. The fertility rate is 77 births/1000 girls aged 15-19 years. The infrequent contact of adolescents with health services and the limited extent of school sex and reproductive health education require the support of innovative strategies. The objective of this paper is to present the design of an internet-based educational strategy to prevent risky sexual behaviors in Mexican adolescents. METHODS: A field trial with intervention and comparison group and with ex-ante and ex-post measurements will be conducted in two public secondary schools. Adolescents between 14 and 15 years of age will participate. The intervention will be conducted in one school and the second school will serve as a comparison group where the investigators will observe the usual sex education provided by the school. The intervention will be delivered using an internet web page that includes four educational sessions provided during a 4 week period. Follow-up will last 3 months. Information on the study variables will be obtained through an Internet-based self-applied questionnaire and collected on three occasions: 1) when the adolescents enter the study (baseline), 2) once the intervention is completed (at 1 month) and 3) after 3 months of follow-up (at the fourth month). There will be three outcome variables: 1) knowledge in regard to sexually transmitted infections, 2) attitudes regarding condom use, and 3) self-efficacy toward consistent condom use. The generalized linear model will be used to assess changes in each outcome variable controlling for baseline measures and for study covariates. DISCUSSION: The design and evaluation of an Internet-based educational strategy to prevent risky sexual behaviors in Mexican adolescents is important in order to provide a new, large-scale, easily implemented preventive tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02686736 .

Perceived Discrimination, Peer Influence and Sexual Behaviors in Mexican American Preadolescents.

Both discrimination and sexual health disparities have significant negative health implications for Latina/o preadolescent youth, including negative mental health outcomes, STIs/HIV, unintended pregnancy, and ongoing poverty. Studying these links within this population, therefore, has significant public health relevance, both in terms of promoting sexual health in general as well as serving the specific needs of Latina/o youth. This study explored the relationship between perceived discrimination, peer influence and sexual behaviors among 438 Mexican American preadolescents in the Southwest United States (55.3 % male). Additionally, this study examined whether psychological distress, substance use, and sexual motives mediated and whether gender moderated these relations. A multiple-group path analysis of the analytical model was performed to examine the hypothesized relations between perceived discrimination, peer influence, psychological distress, substance use, sexual motives and sexual behaviors. The findings indicated that perceived discrimination was directly linked to sexual behaviors among participants and indirectly linked via substance use. The findings also indicated that peer influence was indirectly linked to sexual behaviors via substance use among participants and via sexual motives among boys. This study underscores the importance of substance use in the perceived discrimination, peer influence and sexual behavior link in Mexican American preadolescents. Additionally, it highlights the importance of sexual motives in the link between peer influence and sexual behaviors of Mexican American boys.