RELAÇÕES DE SAÚDE MENTAL E LETRAMENTO EM SAÚDE COM COMPORTAMENTO SEXUAL DE RISCO ENTRE ADOLESCENTES E JOVENS ESCOLARES

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a period of greater vulnerability for the adoption of risky behaviors, which may be related to symptoms of mental illness. Higher levels of health literacy are associated with lower rates of teenage pregnancy. Nursing is fundamental in promoting adolescent health in terms of sexual and reproductive health. Objective: To analyze the relationships between mental health and health literacy in the face of risky sexual behaviors in adolescent and young students. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, carried out in a Federal Education Institution. The sampling units are enrolled adolescent/young people, aged between 14 and 24 years old. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used, where data collection was carried out using self-administered questionnaires. The sample size was 191 adolescent and young people. The instruments used were: Self-harm Behavior Scale; Brazilian Youth Questionnaire, Scale of Adolescent Students' Attitudes about Sexuality, Health Literacy Questionnaire, Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Subjective Well-Being Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. The variables of interest for risky sexual behavior were: not using a condom in the last year, not using a condom the last time they had sexual intercourse, early sexual initiation, multiple partners and not using or using ineffective contraceptive methods. A global outcome was also analyzed, namely the global risk for sexual behavior. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, association tests (Pearson’s Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact) and Poisson Regression, with robust variance, in order to verify models of associated factors and estimate adjusted Prevalence Ratios. Results: An association was observed between “self-injurious behavior in the last year” and “multiple sexual partners”, “not using a condom in the last year” and “last sexual intercourse” and “high overall risk”. Self-efficacy was associated with early sexual debut and satisfaction with life and symptoms of stress with “use of a contraceptive method”. Health literacy was associated with use of a contraceptive method, multiple partners, use of condom in the last intercourse and overall risk for sexual behavior. Conclusion: Mental health and health literacy factors can be considered as indicators for the occurrence of risky sexual behaviors among adolescent and young people. The results highlight the importance of considering not only isolated behaviors, but also the broader context in which adolescents are inserted.