Impact of an educational intervention program on the sexual behaviors of higher education students

• Published in: Referência (Coimbra) Vol. IV Série; no. 13; pp. 71 - 82
• Main Authors: Oliveira, Aliete, Caramelo, Francisco, Patrício, Miguel, Camarneiro, Ana, Cardoso, Salvador, Pita, João
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Coimbra Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra 30.06.2017
• Edition: English ed.
• Subjects: Behavior modification; College students; Higher education; Sex education; Sexual behavior
• ISSN: 0874-0283; 2182-2883
• DOI: 10.12707/RIV17022

Background: Sexually transmitted infections are a public health issue among young people. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of an educational program to reduce risky sexual behaviors. Methodology: Prospective and quasi-experimental cohort study. The sample consisted of 1,303 higher education students, aged between 18 and 24 years. Eight hours of group sessions were held, with pre- and post-test assessment, and a follow-up took place at 6 and 36 months. The control group was evaluated at baseline and after 36 months. Results: In this sample, 69.38% of students were sexually active, with a mean of 2.26 sexual partners; 72.8% used a condom in the last sexual intercourse with a stable partner, 82.2% used it with occasional partners; 10.2% tested positive for STIs; 10.7% took an HIV test; 21.6% had sex under the influence of alcohol or other substances. The intervention group is more likely to use a condom in the last sexual intercourse with a stable partner (ORa: 4.61: [1.31-16.20]) and take an HIV test (ORa: 7.59: [3.33-17.35]). Sex with an occasional partner in the past 12 months was less frequent in the female group. Conclusion: Short-term group interventions proved to be useful.