Sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors of a national sample of non-students, two-year, and four-year college students

Abstract

Objective

To determine whether sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors differ by college student status.

Participants

Sexually experienced 17- to 25-year-olds from a 2013 nationally representative panel survey that evaluated the “Get Yourself Tested” campaign. Non-students (n = 628), 2-yr (n = 319), and 4-yr college students (n = 587) were surveyed.

Methods

Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used.

Results

Students were less likely than non-students to have had an early sexual debut and to have not used condoms in their most recent relationship. 4-yr students were less likely than non-students to have had multiple sexual partners. 2-yr students were less likely than non-students to have not used contraception in their most recent relationship.

Conclusions

2-yr and 4-yr college students were less likely than non-students to engage in sexual-risk behaviors. Given potentially greater risk for STI acquisition among non-students, identification and implementation of strategies to increase sexual health education and services among this population is needed.

Keywords:

• college health
• HIV
• sexual behavior
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported in part by an appointment to the Research Participation Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education through an interagency agreement between the US Department of Energy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.