Alcohol and sexual behavior among high school students in Brazil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between alcohol consumption and sexual behavior among adolescent students. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 171 adolescents of both genders, aged 13 to 19 years, who attended high school in the state public school system of Olinda/PE, Brazil. The sample was randomly selected, using a cluster method in two stages: in the first stage, schools were selected, and in the second, classes were selected. Information was collected using the validated Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) questionnaire. The variables considered regarding alcohol consumption were: alcohol consumption in the last 30 days and age at first alcohol consumption. Regarding sexual behavior, the following were considered: whether the individual had ever had sexual intercourse, age at first intercourse, number of sexual partners in life, alcohol/drug use before intercourse, and condom use. RESULTS: An association was found between alcohol consumption in the last 30 days and having ever had sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption and sexual behavior were associated, and the age of onset of both suggests the need for public policies aimed at adolescent health.