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

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2><h3>Objective</h3> Analyze young people's access to two sexual health services in two macro-regions of Brazil. <h3>Methods</h3> 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. <h3>Results</h3> 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. <h3>Conclusion</h3> These factors had a direct impact on young people's access to sexual health services.