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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Kara Joyner, PhD and Julie H. Carmalt, MS. Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, 109 MVR, Ithaca, NY 14853, 607-255-2069, kj34@cornell.edu

Objectives. This study examines how obesity is associated with sexually transmitted infection (STI)-related risk behavior using a sample of over 10,000 respondents ages 18 to 24 surveyed in the third wave of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Methods. We estimate logistic regression models of STI-related behaviors, symptoms, testing, and diagnosis. These models examine the influence of clinical classifications of weight on STI-related behaviors controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results. Obese women are less likely than healthy-weight women to have a sexual partner in the last twelve months. However, in comparison to healthy weight women, obese women are at greater risk of a number of STI-related behaviors. For example, obese women are less likely to use a condom during last intercourse and they are more likely to have sex with a partner they believe has a sexually transmitted infection. Obese males do not differ substantially from healthy-weight males in STI-related behaviors. Conclusions. Our results suggest that obesity is an important determinant of sexual behavior that puts females at risk of contracting a sexually-transmitted infection. Health educators would benefit from targeting STI prevention efforts to obese females.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants in this session will be able to

• Describe the sexual behavior risk factors associated with obesity.
• Recognize the importance of focusing STI-prevention efforts on obese females.

Keywords: Obesity, STD Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation