Abstract
Objective
To analyze sex education, risk behaviors and attitudes of college students who use dating applications, considering their sexual orientation.
Methods
This is a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study, with a non-probabilistic convenience sample, consisting of 359 college students from northern Brazil. A questionnaire was used with information on sociodemographic data, use of dating applications, sources of information on protected sex, risk behaviors and attitudes. Bivariate analyzes and analysis of variance with Bonferroni’s post-hoc tests were performed.
Results
Homosexuals (92.3%) and bisexuals (84.9%) reported using applications and meeting with casual partners (p<0.05). Tinder was the application accessed by 93.58% of users. There was no difference for sexual practice, unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners. Information about protected sex and sexually transmitted infections through the applications was reported by homosexuals (61.1%) (p<0.05). Bisexuals (22.2%) experienced sex education in scientific events and heterosexuals (38.2%) turned to college friends (p<0.05). Homosexuals (88.9%) accessed the Testing and Counseling Center service and 72.4% were tested for sexually transmitted infections after having sex with a casual partner (p<0.05). Positive attitudes towards sexual health were observed in heterosexual non-dating application users.
Conclusion
Vulnerability of dating application users was not associated with sexual orientation. Interventions through sex education that stimulate self-knowledge and the risks of unprotected sexual practice are required in view of access to technologies for casual dates.
Mobile applications; Risk-taking; Sexual behavior; Sex education; Sexual health