Explaining risky and unprotected sexual behaviors among young people and related reasons: A qualitative study

Background and Aim: Risky and unprotected sexual behaviors are among the health threatening factors which can increase the risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis especially in young people. This qualitative study aimed to explore the reasons of unprotected sexual behaviors among young people, based on low self-control characteristics. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a qualitative content analysis. Eleven individuals who had unprotected sexual contact were selected by purposeful sampling method. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed concurrently. Results: According to the results of this study impellent belief about risky sexual behavior, barriers to condom use and lack of knowledge were cited by the participants as the main reasons beyond the risky and unprotected sexual behaviors. Conclusion: Adoption of the safe and protected sexual behaviors is dependent on reinforcement of the beliefs, perceptions and attitudes towards sexually transmitted disease (STD) and effectiveness of preventive behaviors.