Citation

Rubens M, Batra A, Sebekos E, Tanaka H, Gabbidon K, Darrow W. J. Racial Ethn. Health Disparities 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC 5 419, Miami, FL, 33199, USA. darroww@fiu.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s40615-019-00596-7

PMID

31087285

Abstract

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.

Language: en

Keywords

Behavioral intervention; Binge drinking; College students; Health equity; Online survey; Sexual risks