Comportamento sexual de risco entre adolescentes escolares do Piauí: prevalência e fatores associados

Abstract

Introduction. Risky sexual behavior (RSB) among adolescents, characterized by unprotected sexual practices, multiple partners, and/or substance use, can lead to negative health and well-being outcomes for young people. Objectives. To analyze RSB among school-going adolescents in Piauí, characterizing its prevalence and associated factors. Methods. This is an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study using secondary data from the National School Health Survey, 2019. Sociodemographic, behavioral, sexual and reproductive health, and sociability variables, as well as body self-image, were collected. RSB was considered as non-use of a condom in the last sexual encounter. Multiple logistic regression was employed, with the calculation of adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results. The prevalence of RSB was 41.0%. There was an association of RSB with male sex (AOR=1.27; 95%CI 1.05;1.48), alcohol use (AOR=2.24; 95%CI 2.13;2.54), cigarette smoking (AOR=1.70; 95%CI 1.56;1.97), illicit drug use (AOR=1.45; 95%CI 1.18;1.86), satisfaction with one's own body (AOR=1.47; 95%CI 1.08;1.65), non-use of a condom in the first sexual encounter (AOR=11.45; 95%CI 8.97;16.4), and self-perception of the body as fat (AOR=0.75; 95%CI 0.57;0.96). Conclusions. The prevalence of RSB was high and was associated with demographic, behavioral, and sexual health factors among adolescents. The data demonstrate the need for multifactorial approaches to promote health among adolescents and prevent risky behaviors among young people.