Sexual behaviors and the use of contraceptive methods among undergraduate female students of the health area

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the sexual behavior and the use of contraceptive methods by undergraduate students in the health area of a public
higher education institution. It is a cross-sectional study, developed with 177 students of physical education, nursing, pharmacy, medicine, nutrition
and dentistry programs. A questionnaire composed of closed questions was used. The data were arranged for analysis using the Statistical Package
for the Social Science software, version 19.0. Univariate analyzes were performed using simple descriptive statistics. In inferential statistics, a bivariate
hypothesis test (Chi-square and Fischer's exact test) was applied. The level of significance was set at p≤0.05. The results showed that the female
university students had a mean age of 20.5 years; were Catholics from Teresina who had attended high school in public institutions, lived with their
families, had no children and had a family income of up to three minimum wages. The use of contraceptive methods in the first sexual intercourse
was reported by most university students and the male condom the method chosen by most couples. Regarding the frequency of use of male condom
in the previous 30 days, a significant portion stated they had not opted for this method in that period. The use of alcohol and other drugs before the
last sexual intercourse had a significant association with the use of contraceptive methods. The present study can help health professionals in the
implementation of preventive, curative and educational actions, considering that young people have a sense of empowerment with regard to health
that reflects in a reduced demand by this group in the search for services.