Sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors of a national sample of non-students, two-year, and four-year college students
Kaytlin J. Renfro, Laura T. Haderxhanaj, Alexandra Coor, Heather Eastman‐Mueller, Sara B. Oswalt, Rachel Kachur, Melissa A. Habel, Jeffrey S. Becasen, Patricia Dittus
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors differ by college student status. PARTICIPANTS: Sexually experienced 17- to 25-year-olds from a 2013 nationally representative panel survey that evaluated the "Get Yourself Tested" campaign. Non-students (n = 628), 2-yr (n = 319), and 4-yr college students (n = 587) were surveyed. METHODS: Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Students were less likely than non-students to have had an early sexual debut and to have not used condoms in their most recent relationship. 4-yr students were less likely than non-students to have had multiple sexual partners. 2-yr students were less likely than non-students to have not used contraception in their most recent relationship. CONCLUSIONS: 2-yr and 4-yr college students were less likely than non-students to engage in sexual-risk behaviors. Given potentially greater risk for STI acquisition among non-students, identification and implementation of strategies to increase sexual health education and services among this population is needed.