Work

Access to sexual health services among young Brazilians: Analysis in light of social determinants of health

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective Analyze young people's access to two sexual health services in two macro-regions of Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 301 young people aged 15–24 years at two sexual health services in two cities, headquarters of macro-regions in Paraíba, Brazil. Data were collected from February to July 2021 using a validated form and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and prevalence ratios, based on the World Health Organization's Social Determinants of Health. Results 301 young people, average age 20.83 (±2.30) years, predominantly male (51.50%), non-white (72.10%), cisgender (96.70%), and heterosexual (58.10%). Difficulty accessing services (14.60%) was influenced by income, age group, and discrimination. Difficulty in undergoing rapid testing (22.60%) was influenced by education, work, alcohol consumption, and risky sexual behaviors. Difficulty in acquiring condoms was influenced by victimization by sexual violence, history of incarceration, and transactional sex. Conclusion These factors had a direct impact on young people's access to sexual health services.

Source: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2026.102307