Sensation seeking, self-esteem, and unprotected sex in college students.

This descriptive correlational study examined the relationships of sexual sensation seeking, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in condom use, stages of change, and alcohol consumption to HIV risk-taking behaviors among college students. A total of 159 students completed an online survey in 2004. Instruments included the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, College Alcohol Problems Scale, Condom Use Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. High sensation seekers had higher self-esteem, more self-efficacy in condom usage, fewer problems associated with alcohol consumption, and belonged to Greek organizations (F [1,158] = 12.54; p < .0005). Women who were high sensation seekers perceived more advantages (F [1, 116] = 1.67; p = .05) than disadvantages (F [1, 116] = 2.01; p = .01) to using condoms. Men consumed significantly more alcohol and had more social problems related to alcohol use than women (F [1, 158] = 5.04; p < .03). Students in Greek organizations had significantly more positive attitudes (X(2) [1] = 4.55; p < .03) and more respect for themselves (X(2) [1] = 11.22; p < .0008) than other students and were more likely to be tested for HIV (X(2) [1] = 3.85; p < .05). Students with low self-esteem consumed more alcohol, had more sexual partners, and had more HIV risk-taking behaviors than other students. Even though students were reported to be efficacious in condom usage, they used them inconsistently with their sexual partners and were in the earlier stages of change. Interventions are needed in the community to help sexually active individuals take responsibility for their sexual health and to increase the awareness of the need to be tested for HIV.

Sexual sensation seeking, compulsivity, and HIV risk behaviors in college students.

The purpose of this descriptive and correlational study was to understand the role of sexual compulsivity, sensation seeking, and alcohol use as mediators of HIV risk behaviors among college students. College students (n = 256) completed an online survey in 2003. Instruments included the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS), Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), and the College Alcohol Problem Scale (CAPS). Men scored higher on the SSS and SCS than women. Women who belong to Greek organizations reported significantly more personal problems, including depression and low self-esteem, after consuming alcohol than women who were not members of Greek organizations. Four predictor variables associated with HIV risk behaviors were age, high score on SSS and CAPS, but a low score on SCS. The personality dispositions of sexual sensation seeking and compulsivity among college students may need to be explored in other college settings, to determine if these traits are related to HIV risk taking behaviors. Interventions to help women better cope with the effects of alcohol and self-esteem issues may be beneficial.

Barriers and influences in seeking health care among lower income minority women.

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe perceived barriers to seeking health care, determine perceptions of confidence in health care practitioners, and explore strategies to enhance, promote, and improve early health care intervention among low income minority women. Focus group methodology was used to collect data and content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results revealed four broad categories for discussion: (a) confidence in the physician, (b) frequency of engaging in screening procedures, (c) barriers and influences in seeking health care, and (d) a wish list for covered health care services. The study underscored the importance of both spirituality and family in the lives of aging minority women. The paper includes implications for public policy and suggests an agenda for public policy advocates in the new millennium.