Alcohol abuse and other factors associated with risky sexual behaviors among adolescent students from the poorest areas in Costa Rica

Diego Rios-Zertuche (), Jose Cuchilla, Paola Zúñiga-Brenes, Bernardo Hernández, Patricia Jara, Ali H. Mokdad and Emma Iriarte
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Diego Rios-Zertuche: Salud Mesoamérica Initiative/Inter-American Development Bank
Jose Cuchilla: University of California
Paola Zúñiga-Brenes: Salud Mesoamérica Initiative/Inter-American Development Bank
Bernardo Hernández: University of Washington
Patricia Jara: Inter-American Development Bank
Ali H. Mokdad: University of Washington
Emma Iriarte: Salud Mesoamérica Initiative/Inter-American Development Bank

International Journal of Public Health, 2017, vol. 62, issue 2, No 12, 282 pages

Abstract: Abstract Objectives We applied the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction to analyze factors associated with risky sexual behaviors for adolescent students living in the poorest segments in Costa Rica. Methods We used data from a school-based knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors survey from the poorest districts of Costa Rica, collected for Salud Mesoamerica Initiative. We analyzed responses of 919 male and female students (12–19 years old) to determine factors associated with sexual intercourse and condom use. Results One of every four students reported being sexually active. Students that reported being sexually active were more likely to consume excessive alcohol (OR 3.04 [95 % CI 1.94–4.79]). While 88.0 % [95 % CI 73.5–95.1] of sexually active adolescents said they would use a condom the next time they have sex, only 53.1 % [95 % CI 39.3–66.5] reported condom use the last time. Non-condom-users felt purchasing condoms was uncomfortable (OR 0.34 [95 % CI 0.12–0.93]). Conclusions Poor adolescents in Costa Rica begin sexual activities early and undertake behaviors that increase their risk for unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. We found the urgent need to address alcohol abuse, and recognize gender differences in youth health programs.

Keywords: Costa Rica; Integrative model; Condom use; Adolescents; Poverty; Alcohol abuse (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0859-z

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