Sexual compulsivity and HIV-related risk among young adults

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine relations between sexual compulsivity and HIV-related risk behaviors in a sample of heterosexual young adults, a population that has received only limited attention in research related to sexual compulsivity. Methods: Data were collected from a convenience sample of U.S. undergraduate students (N = 390). Measures included assessments of sexual behaviors, condom and contraceptive use, the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI), and the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS). Data analyses assessed sample and scale characteristics and forward stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to assess predictors of unprotected sex. Results: Forty-seven percent of the women in the sample reported being the receptive partner unprotected vaginal intercourse (n = 134) and 8% reported unprotected receptive anal intercourse (n = 22). Forty-one percent (n = 48) of men indicated that they had been the insertive partner in unprotected vaginal sex, 12% (n = 14) the insertive partner in unprotected anal sex, and 3% (n = 4) the receptive partner in unprotected anal sex. The CSBI and SCS significantly predicted unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse in women. The CSBI was a significant predictor of unprotected vaginal intercourse and the SCS a predictor of unprotected anal insertive intercourse in men. Conclusions: The findings suggest that sexual compulsivity may serve as a factor influencing unprotected sexual behavior among young adults. Screening for SC may be an important tool for identifying persons at risk for HIV and STI transmission.