Use of condoms by students in health courses at a public university

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus infections are reaching alarming rates worldwide, especially among young people, as the use of condoms is lower among young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main source of guidance on the use of condoms among students of health courses at Pará State University, frequency of use, and reasons for not using them. This was a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive study that included students enrolled in undergraduate health courses using an online questionnaire. Eighty-six students participated by answering the questionnaire. The subject of sexuality was considered an unmentioned topic in the family. The university was considered the main source of information on this topic. Most claimed to have used a condom the last time they had sexual intercourse and to be always preventive; they confessed that, on occasion, they did not use them due to carelessness, because they had confidence in their partner, or simply because they did not want to use one. In conclusion, participants used the method irregularly, despite indicating strong knowledge on the matter. Although they are future information disseminators, were inconsistent in practicing what they will one day be teaching to their future patients.