An examination of oral and anal sex and protective barrier use in college students

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States and has been linked to oropharyngeal cancer and anal cancer. Research has shown that college students inconsistently use protective barriers when engaging in sexual intercourse. Data for the current study were collected using an anonymous questionnaire administered to 322 college students at a southeastern university. Participants were primarily female (76%) and White (73%). When examining sexual activity, 73% of respondents had received oral sex, 71% had given oral sex, 68% had vaginal sex, and 9% had anal sex. Over half (58%) of students reported condom use the last time they had vaginal sex. Use of protective barriers decreased in students engaging in oral or anal sex. Only 3% of students reported condom or dental dam use the last time they gave oral sex, and less than 1% reported protective barrier use the last time they received oral sex. Fewer than 5% of students had ever used a condom or dental dam when receiving or giving oral sex. In addition, 29% of students reported condom use the last time they engaged in anal sex, and less than 12% reported always using condoms when having anal sex. Future research should be conducted to develop appropriate strategies for college students that focus on increasing barrier use for sexual activity. Due to an increase in orapharyngeal and anal cancers, interventions for college students should stress the importance of using protective barriers for anal and oral sex.