Prevalence of sexual intercourse and associated factors among adolescents attending schools in Goiania in the state of Goias, Brazil

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of sexual intercourse among adolescents in a Brazilian city and its association with sociodemographic factors, health-risk behaviors, and body image perception. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE), carried out in 2009. The sample comprised schoolchildren enrolled in the 9th year in the city of Goiânia, Goiás (n= 3,099), mostly aged between 13 and 15. The dependent variable was the reporting of sexual intercourse at least once. To identify variables associated with sexual activity, Poisson regression analysis was used. The prevalence of sexual intercourse at least once in the adolescents' lifetime was 26.5% (95% CI= 23.8-29.4). Prevalence was higher among males, those aged 14 years or older, who reported not living with their mother or with their father, who attended public schools, reported alcohol, tobacco or other drug use, and were involved in fights and family violence. The conclusion reached was that the prevalence of sexual intercourse was high and associated with poor sociodemographic conditions, health-risk behaviors and violence. These factors should be considered in the health promotion strategies seeking more safe and healthy sexual behavior during adolescence.