A Comparison of the Sexual Risk Behaviors of Asian American and Pacifc Islander College Students and Their Peers

Abstract

Background: Asian American and Pacifc Islanders (AAPIs) have been neglected in health research. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to (1) describe the sexual risk behaviors of a sample of AAPI community college students using questions from the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey, and (2) to compare the sexual risk behaviors of AAPI study participants (n=138) to their non-Asian peers (n=328). Methods: Comparisons were made between AAPI and non-Asian study participants using a z-test. Results: AAPI study participants were significantly more likely than their non-Asian peers to practice abstinence, limit their number of sexual partners, and use condoms. An unexpected finding was that AAPI participants were more likely to report a history of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Discussion: Research suggests that mother-daughter sexual communication during adolescence is a crucial prerequisite to the practice of safer sex behaviors. A lack of sexual communication with parents during childhood may contribute to higher rates of STDs later in life. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health educators who work with parents, adolescents, and young adults should include effective sexual communication skills in health promotion programs designed to prevent STDs and unintended pregnancy.