Sexual behavior and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among university students in Sao Paulo, Brazil

ObjectiveTo investigate the sexual behavior and knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among undergraduate students in Sao Paulo, Brazil.MethodsSelf-reported questionnaires were used.ResultsMost of the 447 students in the study were single (97.3%), in their first year of university (87.7%), and the mean ages were 20.4 years (males) and 19.8 years (females). Vaginal intercourse was practiced by 69.7% of males and 48.4% of females, oral sex by 64.5% of males and 43.7% of females, and anal sex by 18.4% of males and 14.1% of females. Use of a condom during vaginal sex was practiced by 80.4% of males and 74.8% of females and during anal sex by 47.8% of males and 30.0% of females. Knowledge of transmission of STIs was greater than 90% for HIV, syphilis, genital herpes, and gonorrhea; 63%–76% for HPV and genital warts; 30%–34% for Trichomonas and only 16% for Chlamydia. Only 25%–34% knew that HIV was transmitted by breastfeeding; 56%–60% knew that HIV was transmitted by anal sex.ConclusionMany students engage in high-risk sexual behavior with multiple partners and use condoms inconsistently. Knowledge of the acquisition and modes of sexual and vertical transmission of HIV are strikingly deficient.