Impact of the consumption of licit and illicit substances on risky sexual behaviors of the university population between 2012-2022

Una Scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: A compilation was made of studies conducted on the university population of different countries (China, United States, Canada, Kenya, Iran, Cambodia, Nigeria and Denmark) between the years 2012-2022, related to the consumption of substances, both licit and illicit, and sexual risk behaviors in university students, with the aim of establishing a relationship between the consumption of licit and illicit substances and sexual risk behaviors of the university population between those periods, as evidenced in the scientific literature.

Methods: A documentary analysis was carried out with a qualitative, retrospective approach: scoping review. From the review process, nine articles were selected to carry out the review and comparison process between the results of the documentary evidence on the consumption of licit and illicit substances and the relationship that can be found with sexual risk behaviors in the university population.

Results: The results determined that the consumption of licit and illicit substances is related to sexual risk behaviors in the university population; coexisting the practices of having multiple sexual partners and the non-use of condoms during sexual relations. It was also determined that alcohol consumption is a significant factor in university students.

Conclusions: The study identified a correlation between substance use (licit and illicit) and sexual risk behaviors in the university population, associated with social, psychological and cultural factors. Although cannabis, heroin and methamphetamines are the most commonly consumed, there is little literature on their specific impact, suggesting the need for further research.