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Challenges of Unprotected Sex: Statistical Analysis of a Global Sex Survey

Miguel Fontes, PhD Candidate, International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, SRTVN 701, Conjunto C, Número 124, Sala 309, Ala b, Brasília, DF, 70719-903, Brazil, 55+ 61-3328-1278, m.fontes@johnsnow.com.br and Peter Roach, BA, Durex Network, SSL-International, 205 Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0GZ, United Kingdom.

Background: The DGSS was designed to better understand sexual behavior globally. In 2005, 41 countries participated (n=317,000). The survey included 31 questions about sexuality profiles and behaviors. Methods: The dependent variable is unprotected sex. For Rates of Unprotected Sex (RUS), t-tests on population profiles and 3 country groups based on income were performed. A MLR model shows unadjusted/adjusted associations between RUS and 5 independent variables: condom use (CONDUSE); number of sexual partners (NSPs); sex frequency (SEXFREQ); age of first sexual education (ASEXEDU); and age at first sex (AFIRSTSEX). Results: NSPs, age, AFIRSTSEX, and location are associated with RUS (p-value<0.05). For 1 year delay in AFIRSTSEX, RUS reduces by 6.3%. NSPs is a predictor of RUS. NSPs explains 63% (R2=0.63) of the variance of RUS. If the average NSPs increases by 1, RUS increases by 3.5%. Homosexuals reported having 21 partners. This fell to 14.6 and 8 for bisexuals and heterosexuals respectively. Males report having had more NSPs (10.2) than females (6.9). The effects of gender, sexual orientation, and relationship are not associated with RUS (p-value>0.05). Conclusions: Delay in AFIRSTSEX leads to RUS reduction; however, evidence suggests that the opposite is happening. People need to be encouraged to use reliable methods of prevention. Results of MLR suggest that 1% increase in CONDUSE results in 0.21% decrease in RUS. Also, results reveal the average ASEXEDU. On average, people living in low/low-middle income countries are a year older (14) than upper-middle income (13) and two years older than high income (12) for ASEXEDU.

Learning Objectives:

  • Since the start of AIDS, studies have questioned whether sex education should target the population or groups at risk. A question in the Durex Global Sex Survey (DGSS) asked

    Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Condom Use

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    Not Answered

    Emerging Scholars In HIV/AIDS Research

    The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA