Knowledge about STD/AIDS and sexual behavior among high school students in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cad. saúde pública
;
19(1): 127-133, jan.-fev. 2003. tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-331196
RESUMO
The incidence of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is increasing among adolescents. In order to better understand high-risk sexual behavior among students, a cross-sectional study based on a self-answered anonymous questionnaire was conducted in 10 public and private high schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were obtained on sociodemographics, knowledge of STD/AIDS, and sexual behavior. Among 945 students aged 13-21, 59 percent were sexually initiated, and the median age at first sexual intercourse was 15 years (range: 7-19). Although 94 percent reported being aware of the need for condom use for protection, only 34 percent informed always using condoms during sex. Low family income was associated with unsatisfactory knowledge (OR = 9.40; 95 percent CI = 6.05-14.60) and inconsistent condom use (OR = 11.60; 95 percent CI = 5.54-24.30). However, unsatisfactory knowledge was not associated with inconsistent condom use. School-based educational programs should focus on sexual behavior more than on transmission of knowledge, as well as targeting low-income students
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Sexual Behavior
/
Students
/
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
/
Adolescent Behavior
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Adolescent
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Brazil
Language:
English
Journal:
Cad. saúde pública
Journal subject:
Public Health
/
Toxicology
Year:
2003
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Fundação Técnico-Educacional Souza Marques/BR
/
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro/BR
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