Characterization of adolescent sexual practices

OBJECTIVE: to characterize adolescents’ sexual practices and their association with sociodemographic variables, sources of information and behavioral habits. METHOD: a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study conducted with 85 adolescents from public elementary and high schools in a city in the state of São Paulo. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered and anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test and Fisher’s test. RESULTS: 21.2% had started their sexual life through oral sex, with a predominance of females (94.4%), self-reported brown color (55.0%). The practice of vaginal sex was reported in 31.8%, with a mean age of initiation at 14.5 years. The female sex was predominant (77.0%), with a self-reported brown color (40.0%). The practice of anal sex was detected in 7.1%, with a mean age of 14.4 years, prevalent in females (83.3%), with a self-reported black color (50.0%). There was an association of alcohol, drugs and tobacco use with sexual practices (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: a diversity of sexual practices associated with substance use was detected, emphasizing the importance of the nurse’s role in planning and carrying out health education interventions with adolescents and families.