Uso de aplicativos de relacionamento entre universitários e fatores associados

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the prevalence of the use of mobile applications to recruit sexual partners among university students and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an observational, descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, carried out at a public university in the state of Paraíba. Data collection took place between March 2021 and April 2022. To carry out the interviews, a structured instrument was used with questions about sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, use of legal and illicit substances and dating apps for recruiting partners. The study received approval from the ethics and research committee. Bivariate and inferential analysis tests were performed (chi-square and Fisher's exact association tests and the binary logistic regression model). Bivariate analyzes showed that sex (p=0.000), living in a university residence (p=0.000), staying in a university residence during the pandemic (p=0.035) and area of the undergraduate course (p<0.001), beginning of sexual activity (p=0.000), sexual orientation (p=0.000), frequency of condom use in the last 12 months (p=0.003), sexual intercourse with a partner you met on your cell phone (p=0.000) and taking rapid tests for STIs during life (p=0.000) showed statistically significant associations. Binary logistic regression indicated that being female students, not receiving university benefits and studying the health field were more likely to use apps to recruit a sexual partner, making them more vulnerable to STIs.