Psychosocial determinants of risky sexual behaviour by gender in Spain

Gil Lacruz, Ana Isabel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Gil Lacruz, Marta (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Objectives: This study examines the determinants of risky sexual behaviour by gender in Spain.
Methods: Data was taken from the Spanish Health and Sexual Behaviour Survey (2003). Controlled regression results for a wide set of variables (socio-demographic characteristics, behaviour, knowledge and attitudes) were calculated and a factor analysis to group and to rank variables by explanatory power was carried out. Gender differences were analysed by means of repeated estimations by sub-samples of men and women. Differences based on age and sexual orientations were also taken into account.
Results: HIV risk perceptions and opinions on the use of condoms are important predictors of unsafe sex for both genders. Men not only have more negative opinions of male condoms than women but these opinions are more likely to result in risky sexual behaviours. The consumption of alcohol appears to be linked to unsafe sex among young people, especially young heterosexual men.
Conclusions: As perceptions and opinions are susceptible to change, the authors suggest the implementation of gender-oriented educational campaigns and policies on sexual and reproductive health. Effective education on alcohol consumption could reduce the negative outcomes associated with unsafe sex.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.17303/jwhg.2016.1.101

Año: 2016

Publicado en: Journal of women's health and gynecology 3, 101 (2016), [10 pp.]
ISSN: 2379-6715

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Organización de Empresas (Dpto. Direcc.Organiza.Empresas)
Área (Departamento): Área Psicología Social (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)