Description of the Sexual Behavior Profile of a Group of Puerto Rican Adolescents Living in the Metropolitan Area of Puerto Rico

Background: STI remain an important cause of morbidity among adolescents affecting their reproductive health. Due to biosocio-cultural and economic factors adolescents are generally at a higher risk of STI compared to other age groups.

Objectives: We sought to examine socio-demographics and behavioral characteristics of adolescents to describe a general sexual behaviors profile of a group of Puerto Rican adolescents in the metropolitan area of PR.

Methods: A cross-sectional designed was used among adolescents aging 12 -19 years old attending public school in the metropolitan area. A total of 6 items was used to measure its socio-demographic characteristics and additional 15 questions were used to establish their sexual behaviors. Data analysis was preformed using EpiInfo statistical package. Results were considered significantly at p-value < 0.05.

Results: 523 adolescents were interviewed in the preliminary sample, 51.1% of the participants were males. 24.9% of the participants reported to be sexually active having 1 – 5 sexual partners. Among the sexual practices 8.5% had anal-sex; 19.6% had oral-sex; 25.7% had vaginal-sex and 13.9% had practice masturbation with other person. 45.8% always used condom when having sex and among 38.6 – 45.1% do not know if they had had sex with someone infected with an STI. Among those who self reported sexually active 22.4% had a high risk sexual behaviors profile. Bivariate analysis showed gender differences among participants risk sexual behaviors where girls were less associated to have a high risk sexual behaviors profile when having health education classes and having taken a ITS prevention lessons (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: In view of the magnitude of STI among adolescents’ sexual health, efforts need to be exerted to deal with identifying factors preventing contagion.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Bivariate analysis shows need for gender specific strategies and studies in order to lower risk bahaviors among adolescent males.