Risk of HIV transmission in sexual behaviors of college students.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual behaviors of college students and assess the extent to which they were engaging in behaviors that have a risk for contracting AIDS. A total of 132 single sexually active students and 58 married students responded to a survey on their sexual behaviors and attitudes. Risk behaviors such as engaging in unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, practicing anal sex, alcohol use, and infidelity and deceptive communication with partner were examined. Compared with earlier surveys on the same population, there was an increase in concern about contracting AIDS and a significant increase in the percentage of students who took the AIDS antibody test. Although none indicated they would lie to partners about a seropositive AIDS test, a few would not tell their partner unless specifically asked. A small percentage of subjects would have extradyadic relations without informing their steady partners and a small number of respondents indicated they might continue to engage in sexual relations with a seropositive partner or a new partner who recently had a seronegative AIDS test. The risks most predominant in this sample were the practice of unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, and the consumption of alcohol in conjunction with sexual activity. With the exception of unprotected intercourse, the majority of respondents were engaging in behaviors that pose a minimal risk for contracting AIDS.

Update on AIDS and sexual behavior of college students: seven years later.

This survey of 54 single, sexually active college students indicated that there has been a significant increase in concern about AIDS compared to a survey on a similar sample in 1985. A majority of this sample have been involved in monogamous relationships during the past year and 35% have had the AIDS test on which no seropositive results were reported. Yet, despite an increase in AIDS in the nation's heterosexual population, the majority of students continue to engage in unprotected sexual relations. Nevertheless, the over-all pattern of results suggests that there has been a clear shift toward more conservative sexual practices compared to the casual lifestyles during the pre-AIDS era and the early 1980s.

PIP: In 1993, at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, 82 students from psychology classes participated in a survey (a follow-up of two earlier surveys [1983 and 1985]), designed to learn whether there have been changes in college students' concern about AIDS and, if so, has such concern motivated changes in their sexual behavior. 32.5% were married. 92.7% were heterosexuals. 81% were Caucasians. The study excluded married students, since they tend to be monogamous, and students who were never sexually active or have had not had sexual intercourse for more than 12 months. This left 54 single, sexually active students. On a scale of 1-7, with 1 being 'not concerned' and 7 being 'very concerned', the mean rating on concerns about acquiring AIDS from a current sexual partner was 2.9 compared to 1.4 in 1985. The mean rating on concerns about acquiring AIDS from a future sexual partner was 5.1 compared to 2.8 in 1985. An increase in media coverage on AIDS transmission among heterosexuals may have accounted for the increased rating in the fear of acquiring AIDS from current or future partners. 89.7% practiced vaginal sex; 83% practiced oral sex; and 9.3% practiced anal sex. The mean number of sex partners in the last year was 1.9. 67.3% had only one sexual partner. 50.9% had never used condoms. 17% used condoms consistently. The sex behavior of the students tended to have been about the same (mean rating = 3.9). 35% of students have been tested for AIDS compared to 17% in 1990. The sexual partners of 15 of 30 students have been tested for AIDS. These findings show that an increased concern about AIDS did not translate into risk reduction behavior.

Mandatory AIDS testing: factors influencing public opinion.

A survey of 341 persons, 82% of whom were university students whose median age was 27.0 yr., was conducted to investigate the relationship between their attitudes regarding mandatory AIDS testing for various groups, attitudes toward the disease, sexual orientation and behavior, and attitudes toward homosexuals. Homosexual and bisexual respondents were less supportive of mandatory testing for anyone than were heterosexual respondents. Greater homophobia and attitudes in favor of legal sanctions against persons with AIDS were correlated for heterosexual respondents, with attitudes supporting mandatory testing for everyone and homosexuals in particular. However, concern about contracting AIDS was unrelated to heterosexual attitudes favoring mandatory testing. Social and political considerations in an era of growing and potentially militant public health concern are discussed.

Detection of sexual orientation by heterosexuals and homosexuals.

The purpose of this study was to determine if sexual orientation can be correctly identified under controlled conditions. A series of 24 brief videotaped interviews with homosexual and heterosexual men and women were presented to a sample of 143 subject raters divided into four sexual preference and gender groups. None of the groups were able to exceed levels of correct detection. Approximately 20% of the total subject pool did exceed chance levels. There were significantly more women than men in this sub-sample and homosexual women were represented disproportionately. Although there were some differences in the types of behavioral cues used by the different sexual preference groups to make their judgments, with the possible exception of homosexual women, these cues were unrelated to accurate identification of sexual orientation. The relatively better performance of female raters is discussed in terms of differences in the socialization process of men and women.

Consequences of teenage pregnancy and motherhood.

In the past 15-20 years there has been a significant increase in sexual activity among teenagers as well as an increase in the rate of pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy has many social, psychological, economic and health consequences. Although there has been a significant increase in the use of abortion since the early 1970s among white teenagers, the majority of pregnant teenagers opt to carry their pregnancy to term and raise their child themselves. This review of the literature concerns itself with some of the variables associated with adolescent sexual behavior focusing on teenage pregnancy and the consequences of motherhood on child development. Suggestions are made for strategies that may be effective in ameliorating some of the problems as well as the research required for evaluating such strategies.

A survey of attitudes concerning contraception and the resolution of teenage pregnancy.

This study reports the results of a survey of 498 respondents in a large midwestern community concerning their attitudes toward making contraceptive services available to teenagers and the manner in which a teenage pregnancy should be resolved. The results indicated that the large majority of respondents approved of the practice of making contraceptives available to teenagers but there were also significant differences in attitudes expressed which were dependent upon demographic characteristics of the respondent. There was also considerable variability in the attitudes expressed concerning the resolution of a teenage pregnancy. The preferred method of resolution depended again on the demographic characteristics of the respondent. Keeping the baby and placing the baby for adoption were the most frequent choices. These results are discussed with relation to the present strong political conservative movement in the nation.

PIP: This study reports the results of a survey of 498 respondents in a large mid-western community concerning their attitudes toward making contraceptive services available to teenagers (only 30% of sexually active adolescents make consistent use of contraception), and the manner in which a teenage pregnancy should be resolved. 80.4% of the respondents were in favor of making contraceptives available to teenagers. However, significant differences were found among the different ages and the educational level of those surveyed, as age increased, support of availability decreased, but as education increased, support also increased. Persons without children were also more likely to approve contraceptive services in schools. 70.8% of the respondents felt that it was not necessary to require parental consent. There was considerable variability in the attitudes expressed concerning the resolution of a teenage pregnancy; 26.6% chose adoption, 16.7% picked abortion; 9.3% chose marriage, and 35.2% chose keeping the baby. Significant differences were found between white and black respondents and the single and separated. When attitudes were analyzed by age, the older the respondent, the more likely he/she was to feel that the pregnant teenager should not keep her baby. The same attitudes was evinced by those with higher levels of educational attainment. 40% of the respondents favored abortion, 52.4% were opposed, and 7% were either uncertain or favored abortion only under certain circumstances. Again there were significant differences by race, marital status, age, and educational level. Despite personal reservation concerning abortion, a clear majority of the respondents favored women having the choice, a finding that was consistent across all ages, races, and the majority of educational groups. The results of the survey are discussed in relation to the present strong political conservative movement in the nation.