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Garcia-Romo GS, Pozo-Molina G, Reyes-Reali J, Mendez-Catala CF, Garrido E, Mendez-Cruz AR, Alanis-Lopez P, Mendoza-Ramos MI, Nieto‐Yañez O, Rivera-Yañez N, Pedroza-Gonzalez A. Prevalence of sexually risky behaviors among Mexican medical students. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302570. [PMID: 38709749 PMCID: PMC11073697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
University students are at high risk of sexually transmitted infections due to the lack of adequate sexual education, as well as multiple associated factors, which lead to risky sexual practices. It is important to update data about sexual behaviors to identify the main factors associated with sexually risky behaviors. The present study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of sexually risky practices in medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students through an anonymous self-administered online questionnaire including demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable regression to analyze the data collected. A total of 1520 undergraduate medical students aged between 18 and 28 years old were included in the study. Sixty percent of the students were sexually active with a higher proportion in men (70%), likewise, they had an earlier sexual debut (16.5 vs 16.9 years old), and a greater number of lifetime sexual partners than women (3.8 vs 2.2). The main sexual activity in both groups was vaginal sex with high use of condoms (75%), however, most of them (67%) reported having unprotected oral sex. Logistic regression analysis showed that condomless sex was associated with having oral sex, anal sex, and being female. The findings of this study showed that medical university students are involved in risky sexual behaviors, the major risk factor was unprotected oral sex. Based on these results, we recommended designing interventions to improve sexual education and preventive approaches from early stages such as in middle school students to mitigate sexually transmitted infections among medical university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Stella Garcia-Romo
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Glustein Pozo-Molina
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
- Laboratorio de Genética y Oncología Molecular, Laboratorio, Edificio A4, Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México
| | - Julia Reyes-Reali
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Claudia Fabiola Mendez-Catala
- Laboratorio de Genética y Oncología Molecular, Laboratorio, Edificio A4, Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Efrain Garrido
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Adolfo Rene Mendez-Cruz
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Patricia Alanis-Lopez
- Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No. 3 del Centro Médico Nacional la Raza del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Maria Isabel Mendoza-Ramos
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Oscar Nieto‐Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Nelly Rivera-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Alexander Pedroza-Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
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Rodrigues DL, Carvalho AC, Prada M, Garrido MV, Balzarini RN, de Visser RO, Lopes D. Condom Use Beliefs Differ According to Regulatory Focus: A Mixed-Methods Study in Portugal and Spain. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:709-726. [PMID: 36877803 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2181305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Reports worldwide have been showing increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and condomless sex in recent years. Research has identified several individual and situational variables that can determine the decision to use condoms or forgo their use. We argue that such a decision can also be shaped by motives related to pleasure and safety (i.e., regulatory focus in sexuality). Using open ended questions, we asked 742 Portuguese and Spanish adults to indicate situations and reasons that could inform the decision making process with casual partners and the functions/attributes related to condoms. Using thematic analyses, we coded the drivers of condomless sex and condom use into themes and subthemes, and computed their frequencies. Using quantitative measures, we also asked participants to indicate their condom use expectancies and perceived barriers. Comparing participants according to regulatory focus revealed some differences. Pleasure promotion participants were more likely to consider that condom use decision making is driven by unexpectedness, pleasure, and intimacy pursuit, attached more pleasure reduction functions to condoms, expected more negative outcomes in condom use, and endorsed more sensation and partner barriers in condom use. In contrast, disease prevention participants were more likely to consider that condom use decision making is driven by adequate sexual education, responsibility, and behavioral control, and attached more health protective functions to condoms. These differences can inform the development of tailored intervention and awareness campaigns aimed at helping people to use condoms more consistently with casual partners and to avoid behaviors that put them at risk of STI transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Rodrigues
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Marília Prada
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Rhonda N Balzarini
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Richard O de Visser
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK
| | - Diniz Lopes
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
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Santos MJDO, Ferreira EMS, Ferreira MC. Predictors of Condom Use among College Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:433. [PMID: 38673344 PMCID: PMC11050062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Consistent condom use is recognized as one of the most effective strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Despite their effectiveness, condoms remain fairly well used among younger people. The conception of appropriate measures to change behaviors needs a deep understanding of the factors underlying poor adherence to condom use. This study aims to identify the predictors of condom use among college students. A cross-sectional, correlational, and predictive study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 1946 university students, with an average age of 21 years (20.74 ± 2.32). Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as a conceptual and methodological framework to understand the relationship between the predictors of condom use. An explanatory theoretical model of condom use behavior was established using path analysis. Condom use among young people is infrequent, with only 39.4% of respondents reporting consistent use. Perceived benefits, positive feelings, and interpersonal influences emerged as variables with the most explicitly positive influence on the commitment to condom use, a trend confirmed for both sexes. Commitment was the strongest predictor of condom use behavior (β = 0.580; p < 0.001). Pender's HPM is effective in explaining the relationships between the predictors of condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José de Oliveira Santos
- Health Sciences Research Unit: UICISA: E-EsenfC/ESSIPV, Health School, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Manuela Conceição Ferreira
- Health Sciences Research Unit: UICISA: E-EsenfC/ESSIPV, Health School of Viseu, Institute Polytechnic de Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal;
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Rodrigues DL. Focusing on Safety or Pleasure Determine Condom Use Intentions Differently Depending on Condom Availability and STI Risk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2023; 35:341-351. [PMID: 38601730 PMCID: PMC10903688 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2212651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective Regulatory Focus Theory suggests that goal pursuit is driven by two separate and fundamental motives. Being more focused on prevention motivates people to enact safer behaviors and avoid negative outcomes (e.g., to prevent diseases), whereas being more focused on promotion motivates people to take risks and pursue pleasurable experiences (e.g., condomless sex). Methods A quasi-experimental study (N = 476) examined if differences in regulatory focus (i.e., prevention vs. promotion) determined condom use intentions with a prospective casual partner, depending on condom availability delay and STI risk cues. Results Participants focused on prevention (vs. promotion) were less likely to consider having condomless sex across condom availability delays conditions. However, STI risk cues changed condom use intentions. When STI risk was lower, condom use intentions decreased as condom availability delays increased (particularly for participants focused on promotion). When STI risk was higher, condom use intentions were stronger and consistent across condom availability delays (particularly for participants focused on prevention). Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of distinct sexual motives when examining sexual health practices.
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Rodrigues DL, de Visser RO, Lopes D, Prada M, Garrido MV, Balzarini RN. Prevent2Protect Project: Regulatory Focus Differences in Sexual Health Knowledge and Practices. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1701-1713. [PMID: 36702994 PMCID: PMC9879562 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The way people perceive risks and make decisions about their health is regulated by two motivational systems-prevention of harm or promotion of pleasure. People more focused on prevention strive to avoid negative outcomes and enact more health-protective behaviors. In contrast, people more focused on promotion strive to attain positive outcomes and take more risks with their health. Building upon recent evidence extending this framework to sexual behaviors and health, we conducted a pre-registered online survey ( OSF ) with Portuguese and Spanish adults (N = 742; Mage = 31.42, SD = 9.16) to examine whether self-reported STI knowledge and sexual health practices differ based on predominant regulatory focus. This study was part of the Prevent2Protect project ( OSF ). Results showed that prevention-focused participants had heard about more STIs and retrieved more of their knowledge from scientific sources but had been tested for fewer STIs in the past. In contrast, promotion-focused participants indicated they had specific knowledge about more STIs, retrieved more of their knowledge from medical and peer sources, and had been tested for more STIs in the past. They also reported more frequent STI testing, using free testing facilities or asking their family practice doctor to get tested, more routine sexual health check-ups, and more use of other contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills. These results remained unchanged after controlling for demographic differences. Overall, our findings showed that different motives in sexuality shape sexual health knowledge and sexual health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Rodrigues
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | - Diniz Lopes
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marília Prada
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida V Garrido
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rhonda N Balzarini
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Gómez-Torres P, Lucha-López AC, Mallery A, Martínez-Pérez GZ, Vera Cruz G. Willingness to Use Male Contraceptive Pill: Spain-Mozambique Comparison. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3404. [PMID: 36834096 PMCID: PMC9967229 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that social and cultural factors significantly influence people's willingness to use the male contraceptive pill, which is in relatively advanced development. The present study aims at comparing Spanish and Mozambican participants level of willingness to take a male contraceptive pill. Factorial designed scenarios were used to collect data on the two population samples (Spain = 402 participants; Mozambique = 412 participants). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs) were performed comparing the average scores of Mozambique and Spain at the levels of each modelled factor: The cost of the pills (30 €/USD 20 for 3 months vs. free); Efficacy (99% vs. 95%); Side effects (none, mild and severe); Context (disease, condom abandonment and diversification of contraceptive methods). The two groups found significant differences in the scores for each of the four factors, in light of the socio-cultural differences between the two countries. In the Spanish sample, the main factor affected the willingness to use male contraceptive pill (MCP) were the side effects, while for Mozambican men it was the context. Along with technological change, an ideological-social change in gender roles is required to ensure equity in contraceptive responsibilities and the participation of men at all socio-demographic levels in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piedad Gómez-Torres
- Department of Physiatrics and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group Sector III Heathcare (GIIS081), Institute of Research of Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana C. Lucha-López
- Department of Physiatrics and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group Sector III Heathcare (GIIS081), Institute of Research of Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia (UIF), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Amber Mallery
- African Women’s Research Observatory, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Germano Vera Cruz
- Department of Psychology, University of Picardie Jules Verne, 80000 Amiens, France
- Centre de Recherche en Psychologie: Cognition, Psychisme et Organisations UR 7273 CRP-CPO, University of Picardie Jules Verne, 80025 Amiens, France
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Exploring Self-efficacy for Condom Use in Spanish People: A Trend Analyses by Gender from 2004 to 2020. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:2041-2053. [PMID: 36441411 PMCID: PMC9707195 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03937-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Self-efficacy seems to be one of the most important resources for the different stages underlying condom use and STI prevention. For this reason, this study evaluates trends in self-efficacy by gender, from 2004 to 2008, 2013 and 2020 in Spain. Throughout these years, 6,698 people ranging from 17 to 40 years old, participated filling the Brief scale of condom use self-efficacy. According to our findings, despite the slight improvement in the recent years, self-efficacy still maintains a risky profile for safe sex, especially among the youngest people. Moreover, most of the traditional gender differences continue over the years with women reporting lower scores for condom purchase and men for putting them. However, these differences are not relevant in other dimensions such as using condoms despite drug consumption where women reveal worse results over the years. Therefore, our findings reaffirm the need of intensifying gendered preventive efforts aimed at Spanish people and, particularly, among the youngest.
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