Sexually transmitted infections among young people and their prevention: an analysis based on sexual orientation
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Abstract
The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is a serious problem for the Public Health. The young population is the most affected, but there is insufficient evidence about some differential profiles. This makes difficult preventive efforts, particularly when sexual diversity is only addressed in a categorical way, classifying among heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual people. For this reason, this study explores the prevalence of STIs, as well as differences in primary and secondary preventive behavior according to sexual orientation that is not evaluated categorically but according to the Kinsey scale. 600 university students (50% men and women; 67.5% attracted only to people of the other sex) filled in, online, voluntarily and anonymously, the Lifestyle and Health questionnaire (Giménez-García and Ballester-Arnal, 2017). The results show a STIs’ prevalence of 5.3% that is mainly placed among those who are a little more attracted to people of the opposite sex (19%) and to people of the same sex exclusively (14.3%), with significant differences (Chi2=15.75; p=.027). Regarding the systematic use of condoms, 52.8% reported it with sporadic partners and 37.1% with regular partners, showing differences for the last one (Chi 2=17.69; p=.007). For both of them, people who are a little more attracted to people of the same sex use it more (100% sporadic and 67.7% regular) compared to those who are basically attracted to people of the same sex (33.3% sporadic and 0% regular). About the HIV screening test that 16.7% report, there are significant differences (Chi2=16.86; p=.018), being more frequent among people who are attracted exclusively (35.7%) or basically (28.6 %) to same sex people. Therefore, the higher prevalence seems to beamong people who are a little more attracted to people of the opposite sex and to people of the same sex exclusively, differing the groups at highest risk according to preventive behavior. Consequently, preventive efforts should guarantee an inclusive view of all sexual orientations.
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