OBJECTIVES: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) research has focused on high-risk populations such as STD clinic patients and college students. This report examines predictors of unprotected sex among nonstudent women seen in primary care. STUDY DESIGN: Data are taken from the baseline survey of an intervention trial testing tailored print materials to encourage condom use. POPULATION: Eligible women were identified from automated databases of two managed care organizations and were ages 18-25, unmarried, heterosexually active in the prior 6 months, and not in a long-term monogamous relationship. OUTCOMES: The frequency of and relative contribution of risk behaviors to occurrences of unprotected vaginal sex were compared among non-full-time students (n=711) and full-time students (n=390). RESULTS: STD risk behaviors were prevalent and had similar associations with unprotected sex in both subsamples. Older age, using hormonal or no usual contraception, and having a "primary" partner increased unprotected sex; partner approval of condoms and having bought or carried condoms decreased unprotected sex. CONCLUSION: While sexually active single women seen in primary care perceive themselves at low STD risk, their risk profiles are similar to those of higher risk populations. Clinic-based interventions that include proactive identification of at-risk women and systems for encouraging safer sex practices are needed.
OBJECTIVES: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) research has focused on high-risk populations such as STD clinic patients and college students. This report examines predictors of unprotected sex among nonstudent women seen in primary care. STUDY DESIGN: Data are taken from the baseline survey of an intervention trial testing tailored print materials to encourage condom use. POPULATION: Eligible women were identified from automated databases of two managed care organizations and were ages 18-25, unmarried, heterosexually active in the prior 6 months, and not in a long-term monogamous relationship. OUTCOMES: The frequency of and relative contribution of risk behaviors to occurrences of unprotected vaginal sex were compared among non-full-time students (n=711) and full-time students (n=390). RESULTS: STD risk behaviors were prevalent and had similar associations with unprotected sex in both subsamples. Older age, using hormonal or no usual contraception, and having a "primary" partner increased unprotected sex; partner approval of condoms and having bought or carried condoms decreased unprotected sex. CONCLUSION: While sexually active single women seen in primary care perceive themselves at low STD risk, their risk profiles are similar to those of higher risk populations. Clinic-based interventions that include proactive identification of at-risk women and systems for encouraging safer sex practices are needed.
Authors: Michele Peake Andrasik; Jacqueline M Otto; Hong V Nguyen; Lauren D Burris; Amanda K Gilmore; William H George; Kelly F Kajumulo; Tatiana Masters Journal: Arch Sex Behav Date: 2013-06-06
Authors: Jeffrey F Peipert; Kate L Lapane; Jenifer E Allsworth; Colleen A Redding; Jeffrey L Blume; Faye Lozowski; Michael D Stein Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2007-08-21 Impact factor: 8.661