Consumo de alcohol y conductas sexuales seguras en estudiantes universitarios de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca, 2023

Abstract

Alcohol consumption represents major health, social and economic challenges. Ecuador appears to have one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption in Latin America. The aim of this study was to determine relationships between alcohol consumption and safe sex behaviours among students at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Cuenca, 2023. Three research objectives guided the study and null hypothesis was tested. The study used a quantitative, non-experimental design with correlational scope. A sample of 318 students was composed through stratified and random sampling. Data was collected using a Socio demographic Form, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and Safe Sex Behaviour Questionnaire (SSBQ). The independent variable was alcohol consumption. The dependent variable was safe sexual behaviour. Frequencies and percentages were used to answer objectives one and two. Pearson Chi square test was used to answer objective three and to test the hypothesis. About a tenth of the students were involved in hazardous alcohol consumption while majority of the students practiced safe sexual behaviours. There was no statistically significant relationship between alcohol consumption and SSBQ, X2 (6, N =318) = 3.48, P = 0.74. Key conclusion is that regardless of the student’s participation in alcohol consumption, majority were able to practice safe sexual behaviours. It may be helpful for future researchers to focus on exploring other factors that may influence the relationship between alcohol consumption and safe sexual behaviours among undergraduate students.