Prevalence of pattern of risky behaviors for reproductive and sexual health among middle- and high-school students

Case Studies & Research
2010
5 p.
Title other languages
Prevalencia de patrón de comportamiento de riesgo para la salud sexual y reproductiva en estudiantes adolescentes
Prevalência do padrão de comportamento de risco para a saúde sexual e reprodutiva em estudantes adolescentes
Periodical title
Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 18 (2): 170-174

This research aimed to establish the prevalence and factors associated with the pattern of risky behavior for reproductive and sexual health (PRBRSH) among secondary education students in Santa Marta, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was done. The PRBRSH was defined as having had two or more out of four possible risky sexual practices across the lifetime. Logistic regression was calculated to control for confounding variables. In total, 804 students reported lifetime sexual intercourse. PRBRSH was reported by 36.1% of the sample. Illegal substance use (OR=11.4), alcohol drinking (OR=2.5), being a middle-school student (OR=1.7) and middle or high socioeconomic status (1.4) were associated with PRBRSH. Around one out of three adolescent students is at high risk for HIV infection or unwanted pregnancy. Safe sex practices need to be promoted in this population.

Record created by
IIEP