Knowledge Assessment toward STD/HIV Transmission and Condom Use among Male, College Football Athletes

Background: There have been few studies about sexual practices and knowledge of STD/HIV among male, college football athletes. With limited amount of data, few studies suggest that many athletes have misconceptions about the risk of contracting STD/HIV.

Methods: The present study surveyed 50 male, college football athletes. All data collection was done by one investigator to ensure continuity. The questionnaires were anonymous and confidential, and examined four categories of interest: (1) Male, college football athlete's demographics, (2) Sexual history and beliefs, (3) Condom beliefs and utilization, and (4) Knowledge regarding condom use and STD/HIV transmission.

Findings: More than half (60%) of male, college football athletes surveyed reported having more than five lifetime sexual partners. Only 34% reported always practicing safe sex, while 16% reported to have never practiced safe sex. Approximately 54% believed condom use is important only during vaginal sex, while only 18% believed condom use is important during vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Only 18% believed that condom use is effective against STD/HIV, while 22% believed that STD/HIV can be contracted from toilet seats.

Conclusions: Despite the major public health efforts put into sexual health education of college students, it appears that many male, college football athletes do not engage in safe sex practices and lack proper knowledge regarding STD/HIV transmission and effectiveness of condom use. Consequently, health education and prevention strategies in college need to concentrate on this small and yet prominent population on campus, if they are to successfully continue to decrease their STD/HIV incidence rates.