Juana Macías-Seda

Factors related to healthy sexual and contraceptive behaviors in undergraduate students at university of Seville: a cross- sectional study

BackgroundYoung people are a group of population with sexual risk-taking behaviors. Despite efforts to inform them it is common for them to adopt risk conducts during their stay at University. The aim of this research was to assess knowledge, attitudes and experiences on sexual health and contraceptives and factors related to risk behaviors in university students.MethodsA cross- sectional analytical study was carried out from February to April 2014 among undergraduate students at University of Seville. A self-administered questionnaire was filled in by participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V22. Descriptive statistics were used to show data. A P-value of 5% (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 566 students responded to the questionnaire. 47.3% (267) were male and 52.6% (297) female. About sexual behavior: 93.3% of participants were sexually active last year. 58.3% had had sex under alcohol effect and 18% under drugs effect. About contraceptive behavior: 86.9% used a contraceptive method during their first sexual relation, the male condom being the most used (90.6%). Currently, the most used contraceptives are the male condom, and hormonal pills. The participants’ answers about their knowledge on contraceptives and STIs (sexual transmission infections) showed weaknesses. Participants who had received sexual and contraceptive education showed more knowledge (pu2009<u20090.001). We did not find differences about knowledge on contraceptives and STIs by age (pu2009=u20090.056). Level of knowledge is less in young people who use coitus interruptus or none as a contraceptive method (pu2009<u20090.001). We observed differences by frequency of sex since young people who had sex more frequently showed more knowledge about contraceptives and STI (pu2009<u20090.001). There are more women that had a partner than men (pu2009=u20090.003) and their attitudes and experiences on sex are healthier. Females showed more knowledge about management of hormonal contraceptives and medical controls (pu2009<u20090.001).ConclusionFactors that contribute to having a healthier behavior on sexuality and contraception are age, gender and background in health issues, showing greater knowledge and less risky behavior. Programing reproductive health programs at university should be continued.

Experiencias de las personas sordociegas sobre la atención sanitaria

Deafblindness is a disability resulting from the combination of visual and auditory sensory impairments, which can manifest in different levels causing special communication problems. Deafblind people have special needs that derive from difficulties in sensing, understanding, attention and a lack of the skills required to function effectively in society. Deafblindness requires specialized services, personnel specifically trained in its care and special methods for communication.nnnOBJECTIVEnThe main objective of this study is to explore the experiences of deafblind people in relation to health care throughout their lives. This study was developed at the St. Angela de la Cruz Centre, belonging to the Association of Parents of Deafblind People in Spain.nnnMETHODnPhenomenological qualitative study, through semi-structured interviews with deafblind people at the St. Ángela de la Cruz Centre, Salteras (Seville), carried out in 2015, with the help of interpreters in Spanish sign language. Topics covered in the interviews refer to facilities, human resources, time waiting and health care.nnnRESULTSnCoinciding statements were obtained, where the participants point out architectural and educational barriers in health care and stand out better if the professionals know sign language.nnnCONCLUSIONSnIt can be highlighted that healthcare professionals lack knowledge of all aspects of deafblindness, sign language in particular, and there is a shortage of signs and information for the deafblind. Moreover, alternatives are required to reduce waiting times and improve direct communication with health professionals.