Summary

Aim: The aim of this study was to present sexual behaviours, needs and expectations as well as attitudes towards contraception among students of the Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk

Method: A group of 340 medical students ranging in age from18 to 28 (195 females and 118 males) were administered a questionnaire from October till December 2003. The examined group served as a representative sample of the investigated population (χ2  test: p>0.005 for the entire group and both sexes). 313 questionnaires were submitted for further analysis. The questionnaire used was comprised of three groups of questions: those concerning relationships and associated sexuality, questions concerning attitudes towards various aspects of sexuality and a set of questions dedicated to the role of sexology in the medical curriculum, as well as in general medical practice. The present paper addresses various forms of sexual behaviours and attitudes towards contraception based on the subjects' responses.

Results: The examined group consisted of well educated individuals in theoretical and practical aspects of sexually-related phenomena. The effective contraception methods consist of those widely used in the studied population. The preferred form of contraception during the sample was condoms, followed by oral contraceptives. The initiation of sexual activity occurred while involved in an emotional relationship as opposed to casual relationships. The subjects indicated that love was the main factor positively influencing the quality of their sexual life, followed by partner's loyalty and sexual satisfaction.

Conclusion: The sample studied had a positive attitude towards alternative forms of sexual practices. The subjects perceived sex as an important aspect of their functioning and reported being satisfied with their sexual partners.