O-42 EVALUATION OF RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN GUYANA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Author(s):
N Harris , T Jagnarine
Year of Presentation:
2024
Objective: The overall aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of sexual risk behavior, and its associated factors and explore some safe sex behaviors adopted by university students in both the private and public sectors in Guyana. To achieve this aim, the study has three main objectives as follows:
1 To evaluate the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors in university students.
2 To assess the expected risky sexual behavior and associated factors in university students.
3 To explore safe and secure preventative sexual measures adopted by university students.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study used an online survey among 340 university students at 12 tertiary institutions in Guyana. The survey included questions related to demographic information, Risky Sexual Behaviors (RSB), Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE), and measures related to safe sexual behavior.
Results: A total of 340 students with a response rate of 88.31% participated in the study. 67.9% reported having had sexual intercourse. Risky sexual behaviors were prevalent, with males exhibiting higher tendencies. The common RSB included unprotected sex, regretful encounters, pornography, and masturbation addiction, influenced by factors like marijuana and alcohol use, sex toy engagement, age, gender, and adverse childhood experiences. A negative correlation was found between RSB and concerns about STIs, pregnancy, and encounters with unknown partners. Regarding safe sex practices, males demonstrated a higher degree of proactivity than females.
Conclusion: Understanding gender-specific patterns in safe sex practices is crucial for developing targeted strategies to bridge existing gaps and promote a culture of informed and responsible sexual behaviors among university students.