Significações para o uso de substâncias psicoactivas e comportamentos sexuais de risco em jovens-adultos rapazes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of young boys on the relationship between the use of SPA and sexual risk behaviors, as well as understand how these phenomena are organized in individual experience and trajectory. We intend to analyze experiences, events, meanings, and expectations of the path of evolution using SPA; as well as learn the history of sexual and emotional development of young people interviewed. It is important to know the opinion of the boys since, according to the literature, seem to be that begins earlier in these behaviors. The sample consisted of five young-adult males, between the ages of 21 and 26 years, with experience of using SPA and sexual life started, and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews. This study was qualitative in nature, incorporated some assumptions of Grounded Theory. The results allow us to conclude that alcohol and hashish are the SPA most used by young boys and with that contacted early. Among the different risk behaviors practiced by young boys, there is the absence of condoms and sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol, seeming to be associated, which may be due to the appreciation of euphoria and disinhibition caused by this SPA, according boys. Although it should be mentioned that sexual risk behaviors occur, most often in acute episodes of consumption. We can see that young people have information about the consequences of using SPA and sexual risk behaviors, referring us to the idea of having risk behaviors, not by lack of information, but probably due to its devaluation at the moment is faced with risk. The few qualitative studies found in the literature, added importance and relevance to our study, allowing for further understanding the meanings given to phenomena.

Date of Award	Oct 2012
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Carmo Carvalho (Supervisor)