Usage of condoms by public college students aged 18-26 during initial act of intercourse

Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge of sexual practices in young adults is needed to implement preventive actions aimed at the reduction of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of condom use at first intercourse among college students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in college students aged between 18 to 26 years; the sample size was 580 participants. Results: Approximately half of those surveyed reported having used a condom during the first sexual intercourse; however no association between male gender, social levels or religion was found in this study.  When analysing sexual orientation, it was found that heterosexual couples were engaged in this practice.  Conclusions: The percentage of people who used a condom at first intercourse is low, since the results indicate that about one in two people are exposed to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy, since the time they start their active sexual life. [Martínez J, Parada L, Duarte Kl. Usage of condoms by public college students aged 18-26 during initial act of intercourse. MedUNAB 2014; 16(3):112-117]