Abstract

CAMPO-CABAL, Gerardo et al. Sexual and Contraceptive Behavior in Medical Students. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2006, vol.35, n.3, pp.328-340. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: Previous research and data arising from the “Universidad del Valle” medical school Health Service suggest that students exhibit irresponsible sexual behavior. Objective: This paper describes sexual behavior and contraceptive methods commonly used among first, third and last year students. Results: Students entering the program are frequently late adolescents, with a growing female proportion, coming from high and middle social and economic classes. Although male students begin coital contacts earlier than females (p<0.001), in recent years this is tending to balance, showing no differences in the freshmen cohorts. Both genders have similar sexual behavior, with a small percentage remaining virgin until internship. Condom and oral contraceptives are favored as contraceptive methods. Medical students exhibit a high degree of risk-taking behavior, therefore unwanted pregnancies, abortions and STDs are frequent and become more prevalent in upper levels. Reasons exposed to avoid the use of contraceptive methods seem invalid and irrelevant.

Keywords : Contraceptive behavior; sexual behavior.

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