Risky sexual behavior in university students: risk and protective factors

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of religiosity, sex, family communication, and risky sexual behavior by friends, on the sexual behavior of college students. A non probabilistic sample of 413 students from a private university from Mexico City, answered printed questionnaires designed to assess the aforementioned variables. Results showed that high religiosity and family communication scores were associated with a lower frequency of risky sexual behaviors in the students. Results also showed that male individuals, and students whose friends engage in risky sexual practices, have an increased probability of engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of their similarity with the literature produced on the subject. Results are also discussed in terms of prevention strategies that may be used by the institution.