ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To characterize the differences and similarities among college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors regarding their sexual behavior including contraception choices and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk. METHODS: A 41-item sexual behavior questionnaire designed for this study was administered to a convenience sample (N = 797) of a college population. RESULTS: Levels of sexual activity were found to be comparable to other college-based surveys. Notable trends included an increased level of oral contraceptive use among partners reported by seniors, as compared to freshmen, without a corresponding increase in condom use; an increased reliance among seniors, as compared to freshmen, on women to provide contraception; and a low level of self or partner HIV testing either before or after initiating sexual intercourse. Gender differences also revealed greater partner relationship duration, intensity, and communication prior to initiating sexual intercourse among women versus men (p < or = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual behavior among college students differs across the 4 years with regard to rates of intercourse, contraception choice, and responsibility, as well as HIV testing and partner trust. University- and college-based health care programs should address sexual behavior with an awareness of the differences that exist in the four cohorts of students.
PIP: This study aimed to describe the differences and similarities among college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors concerning their sexual behavior, including contraception choices and HIV risk. The sample (N = 797; mean age = 19 years) were taken from a private 4-year undergraduate college and represented 17% of the college population. It consisted of 474 (60%) females and 318 (40%) males. They were interviewed through the use of a 41-item questionnaire administered in a cross-sectional survey design. In the results, levels of sexual activity were similar to other college-based surveys with 72% reporting ever having had sexual intercourse. The average age of first sexual intercourse was 16.8 years for females and 16.7 for males; 358 (45%) were currently sexually active. Condoms were the most common contraception used, followed by oral contraceptives. The primary purpose in choosing a contraceptive was prevention of both pregnancy and disease. Seniors had increased level of oral contraceptive use and increased reliance on women to provide contraception as compared to freshmen. The percentage of students who had undergone HIV testing also increased from freshman (16%) to senior (32%) years. As to gender differences, women reported greater partner relationship duration, intensity, and communication prior to initiating sexual intercourse as compared to men. In conclusion, college-based health care programs should address sexual behavior with an awareness of the differences that exist in the 4 cohorts of students.
