Are the factors associated with the practice of safer sex the same with a steady partner as opposed to a non-steady partner? To answer this question, anonymous, self-report survey data, completed by students attending one of two institutions of higher education in Texas, in late 1995 were analyzed. The survey included psychological measures (e.g. social influence and self-efficacy), contextual measures (e.g. use of alcohol and/or drugs and academic affiliation) and demographic measures (e.g. age and gender). The sample was split into two groups based on reported partner type. Separate logistic regression analyses were conducted for each group (n steady partner=307; n non-steady partner=76). Results indicate that for steady partners the following factors are associated with the practice of safer sex: being male (p < 0.01), being sexually active for relatively fewer years (p < 0.01), believing that one should practice safer sex (p < 0.01), and believing that using condoms does not detract from the sexual experience (p < 0.01). In contrast, for non-steady partners, reporting high levels of sexual self-efficacy (p < 0.05) and believing that using condoms does not detract from the sexual experience (p < 0.01) were associated with the practice of safer sex. Of additional importance, women were more likely to believe that their partner was a steady partner than were men (p < 0.01). Implications for primary prevention programs will be discussed, such as gender differences and the role that psychosocial factors play in the decision to practice safer sex.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify factors that are associated with the practice of safer sex with a steady partner and those associated with the practice of safer sex with a non-steady partner. 2. Discuss the implications of these differences for primary prevention programs
Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Psychological Indicators
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.