Exploring the Determinants of Risky Sexual Behavior Among Ethnically Diverse University Students: the Student Behavioral Health Survey-Web.
Muni RubensAnamica BatraElena SebekosHideaki TanakaKemesha GabbidonWilliam W DarrowPublished in: Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities (2019)
Universities create policies and develop programs to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Unfortunately, most historically Black colleges and Hispanic-serving institutions have limited information about student practices and program effectiveness. This study examined the prevalence and determinants of risky sex among students attending a Hispanic-serving university. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to obtain sensitive data from a random sample of students. Nearly two-thirds (65.2%) of 632 respondents reported engaging in risky sex. Sexual risk was significantly associated with older age (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.09-4.30), lower self-control (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.34-0.97), and higher alcohol (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.20-3.67) and drug use (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.48-4.50). Most respondents were unaware of university policies and programs. Programs to improve sexual health must influence risk-taking students. Perceptions of self-control and use of alcohol and drugs affected sexual decision-making. These factors should be ascertained and addressed by behavioral interventions aimed at minimizing risky behaviors and limiting the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Keyphrases
- high school
- public health
- decision making
- healthcare
- primary care
- mental health
- physical activity
- randomized controlled trial
- health information
- systematic review
- african american
- antiretroviral therapy
- hiv infected
- hepatitis c virus
- human immunodeficiency virus
- hiv positive
- risk factors
- quality improvement
- machine learning
- hiv testing
- big data
- cross sectional
- medical students
- tertiary care
- artificial intelligence
- drug induced