Comportamento sexual e fatores associados em idosos brasileiros: resultados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual behavior, condom use, and socioeconomic, demographic, and health characteristics in elderly Brazilians. This is a cross-sectional study, utilizing data from the National Health Survey (2019). The outcome of interest was unprotected sexual intercourse. The associations were analyzed using Poisson regression. The prevalence of unprotected sexual intercourse was 88%. The prevalence of unprotected sexual intercourse was higher among elderly individuals aged 70-79 and those with a negative perception of their own health. In contrast, an inverse association was observed between marital status and the reported outcome. Individuals who were divorced, single, or widowed exhibited a lower prevalence of unprotected sexual intercourse. These findings were also observed among those with a higher income. The relationship between sexuality and affectivity and quality of life is such that it is essential to expand care for the elderly to include disease prevention and health promotion practices related to sexual habits.