Family functioning and risky sexual behavior in adolescents in the community of Yanayacu, 2015-2016

Abstract

Introduction: The onset of sexual relations at early ages of life involves biological, psychological and social risk that make many families dysfunctional worldwide. Objective: To determine the influence of family functioning and risky sexual behavior among adolescents in the community of Yanayacu.Material and Methods: An observational, relational, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the influence of family functioning and risky sexual behavior among adolescents in the community of Yanayacu.Results: 49.3% had started their sexual life; the risk behaviors identified were: early onset of sexual life, no condom use, and more than two sexual partners with a P <0.05, according to sex. As for prevention knowledge of these behaviors, they mostly mentioned the use of condoms, but less than 40% used them; 54% of sexually active adolescents belonged to dysfunctional and moderately functional families with an extended family typology.Conclusions: Extended families with dysfunctional and moderately functional family dynamics, cause a greater frequency of risky sexual behaviors. The level of communication, warmth and closeness play a very important role as protectors of these behaviors.Keywords: Adolescence, risky sexual behaviors, family functioning.