Abstract

REIS, Marta  and  MATOS, Margarida Gaspar de. Contracepção em jovens universitários portugueses. Aná. Psicológica [online]. 2008, vol.26, n.1, pp.71-79. ISSN 0870-8231.

Sexuality is shaped by a multitude of influences in a dynamic process and is, therefore, crucial for the development of the human being. The increase in STIs and unplanned pregnancies is responsible for ranking the young people as an important target group in terms of sexual health prevention. This study assessed sexual behavior, including contraception in 18-24 year-old college students. Structured self-reported questionnaires were responded by 436 participants (113 college men and 323 college women). The findings show the majority is sexually active, had their first sexual intercourse from the age of 16 onwards and used either the condom or the contraceptive pill. Nowadays they continue using the condom and the pill, in order to prevent a STI and an unplanned pregnancy. College men report having had their first sexual intercourse earlier than women, not having used any contraceptive method or having used withdrawal more, which suggests a risky behavior. They also report having casual partners and having intercourse under the effects of alcohol and drugs more often than women; college women report having lasting relationships more often.

Keywords : Contraception; sexual behavior; young people.

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