Objective:

To describe risky sexual behaviours related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a Shuar community of Taisha, Ecuador.

Methodology:

Descriptive-cross-sectional study, based on Leininger's cross-cultural theory. A total of 215 adults of both sexes over 18 years of age participated. A questionnaire validated by experts was used, with Delphi method. The relational analysis used the X2 test.

Results:

Of the sample, 153 women and 62 men, 99.1 % identified themselves as heterosexual; 79.1 % indicated that their sexual activity began in preadolescence, most frequently of the genital type; 16.3 % reported having ever had an STI; 29.3 % had had sexual relations while intoxicated, of which 6 % reported using a condom. The 60 % percent responded that they do not use condoms because they do not know how and because they feel less pleasure; 36.7 % reported having casual sex, 73 % of them without using a condom. There was no significant association between sexual behaviors and age.

Conclusion:

The scarce use of condoms, incidental unprotected sex, early onset and sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or aphrodisiac substances were found to be risk practices for contracting a sexually transmitted infection in this indigenous community. There is a need to build bridges from the health system to the communities to implement prevention, diagnosis and treatment programs in early stages for detection, education, support and control. The transcultural nursing model and the interdisciplinary work allow knowing the principles, values and cosmovision of the community members.

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