The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46179

Brian Dodge, MSc, Michael Reece, PhD, MPH, and Sara L. Cole, MA. Department of Applied Health Science, Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, 801 E. 7th St., Room 100, Bloomington, IN 47405, 812-855-6797, bmdodge@indiana.edu

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between sexual compulsivity and participation in "high-risk" sexual behaviors among college students. While previous research has demonstrated that sexual compulsivity is associated with unprotected intercourse among men who have sex with men and individuals living with HIV, virtually no research has examined sexual compulsivity among college-aged, primarily heterosexual, populations. Methods: Data collected from 899 college students were analyzed (1) to determine the prevalence and characteristics of sexual compulsivity among college students and (2) to assess relationships between sexual compulsivity and participation in sexual behaviors that could result in exposure to HIV and other STDs. Results: There was a clear range of sexual compulsivity level among participants, and level of sexual compulsivity was associated with identifiable trends in the frequency, nature, and risk level of varying sexual behaviors. Participants classified as highly sexually compulsive (n=118) reported a significantly higher number of partners for unprotected insertive and receptive vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse during the past three months (p<.05). Relationships also existed between higher levels of sexual compulsivity and higher rates of "public sex" activities (p<.05). However, participants higher in sexual compulsivity were also more likely to report the active seeking of information on maintaining their sexual health (p<.05). Conclusions: Sexual compulsivity has clear associations with the frequency and nature of sexual health behaviors among college students. These data suggest that measuring and responding to sexual compulsivity among college students may provide important insights for developing effective HIV prevention programs for this population.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify the extent to which sexual compulsivity is associated with high risk sexual behaviors of college students.
• Participants will be able to identify the types of sexual risk behaviors associated with high levels of sexua compulsivity.
• Participants will be able to describe strategies for assessing sexual compulsivity and designing HIV prevention messages for those facing issues of sexual compulsivity.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.