Anal Sex among College Students – Results from a Sexual Health Needs' Assessment

Minorities are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. Studies have suggested that culturally, some groups engage in anal sex as a means of preserving virginity and decreasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anal sex among college students and compare the rates of minority groups to majority groups. A needs assessment was conducted at a large public university in the Midwest. Students enrolled in an undergraduate community health course surveyed a cross section of the student population on their sexual health needs. Supervised by the course instructor and graduate teaching assistants, students in the course were divided into groups and assigned to a variety of campus locations where students usually gather between classes. Consenting participants completed a 25-item survey. A total of 606 completed surveys were obtained from students who were between the ages of 18 and 23 years (M = 19.95). Participants were mostly white (81%) and heterosexual (98%). Findings reveal that while 4% of white respondents reported engaging in anal sex over the past 30 days, more than 10% of minority students reported that they had engaged in anal sex (χ² = 5.35, p < .05). The majority of those participants engaging in anal sex (58% white, 56% majority) reported never or rarely using a condom. Prevention programs on college campuses must address high risk behaviors like anal sex while considering the unique cultural needs of minority students.