Psychosexual characteristics of male university students in Brazil.

ABSTRACT

PIP: A random sample of 268 male freshmen of mean age 19.6 years at the State University of Campinas in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, responded to a questionnaire in 1990 on aspects of their sexuality from the beginning of their adolescence. Topics such as physical changes, first ejaculation, masturbation, homosexual manifestations, and sexual practices were investigated, as well as present attitudes toward virginity, intercourse, birth control, abortion, and AIDS prevention. The quality of their relationships with parents was also surveyed. The sample comprised 31% of the entering students for that year. 32% were living with their parents. Most respondents reported satisfactory development in most areas of their sexuality, as well as a good relationship with their parents. However, they found it very difficult to discuss sex within their family circles. 32% were still virgins at the end of their freshman year. 28% and 20% had homosexual manifestations during childhood/early adolescence and currently, respectively, including fantasies, attraction to men/boys, physical contact with men/boys, and sexual intercourse with men/boys. 38% of the sexually active men reported taking no measures to prevent pregnancy and HIV transmission.