PRÁCTICAS SEXUALES DE RIESGO Y FACTORES ASOCIADOS EN ESTUDIANTES DEL CENTRO UNIVERSITARIO DEL NORTE

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.309122508049

• Palavras-chave: prácticas sexuales de riesgo, infecciones de transmisión sexual, estudiantes universitarios, prevención, salud sexual.

• Keywords: risky sexual practices, sexually transmitted infections, university students, prevention, sexual health.

• Abstract: Sexually transmitted infections represent a priority public health challenge, particularly among young populations. This study aimed to characterize risky sexual practices related to STI acquisition among students at the Northern University Center of the University of Guadalajara. Using a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design during 2017–2018, 264 students were evaluated with a specifically designed research instrument. Results revealed an average age of 21.83 years, with a clear tendency toward non-use of condoms during sexual practices. Sexually active participants reported an average of 1 to 10 sexual partners and had initiated sexual activity at a mean age of 17.20 years. Although most participants reported not using substances during sexual encounters, a critical gap was identified between theoretical knowledge of STIs and actual preventive practices. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted educational interventions that go beyond basic information and focus on behavioral change, particularly emphasizing consistent use of barrier methods and primary prevention tailored to the sociocultural context of this university population.