ERIC Number: EJ871102
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring Gender Differences in the Relationship between HIV/STD Testing and Condom Use among Undergraduate College Students
Bontempi, Jean Breny; Mugno, Raymond; Bulmer, Sandra M.; Danvers, Karina; Vancour, Michele L.
American Journal of Health Education, v40 n2 p97-105 Mar-Apr 2009
Background: Rates of HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are increasing among university students. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in the relationship between condom use and (1) HIV/STD testing behaviors, (2) STD treatment behaviors and, (3) alcohol use behaviors. Methods: A survey was administered to 1,500 undergraduate students in a university system in the Northeast. Frequency tests and the Fisher Exact test for associations were conducted. Results: Analysis was conducted on 1,410 surveys. Rates of sexual behavior were high, while condom use was reportedly low. Females reported higher rates of sexual activity and lower rates of condom use. Females who had been tested for HIV and STDs reported significantly lower rates of condom use than those not tested. Even more significant, females who had been treated for an STD reported low rates of condom use. Discussion: College students are reportedly continuing to practice unsafe sexual behaviors despite health education efforts on college campuses, especially females. Future research should explore the causal relationship between HIV/STD testing and treatment behaviors and condom use. Translation to Health Education Practice: This study suggests new ways of conceptualizing health education programming on college campuses through multilevel programming targeting behavioral concepts, such as perceived risk. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Undergraduate Students, Colleges, Health Education, Females, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Drinking, Sexuality, Diagnostic Tests, Screening Tests, Health Programs, Medical Services, Health Promotion, Student Surveys, Disease Control
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A