Exploring the determinants of risky sexual behavior among ethnically diverse university students: The student behavioral health survey

Background: In spite of various efforts to understand and address risky sexual practices among college students, it remains a serious public health concern across university campuses in the United States. The objective of this study was to identify social, cultural, and psychological determinants of high-risk sexual behaviors among diverse students attending a large Hispanic-serving university in South Florida.

Methods: An online invitation and 40-item questionnaire were e-mailed to 8,000 randomly selected enrolled students from April 6 to April 17, 2013. The cross-sectional survey was conducted using the web-based survey tool "Qualtrics." Consent was obtained and anonymity was protected.  Responses were tabulated and logistic regression adjusted odds ratios (AOR) calculated.

Results: The majority of participants were women (60.1%), heterosexual (87.5%), undergraduates (76.6%), and Hispanic (58.9%). Nearly two-thirds (65.2%) of the 632 participating students reported engaging in high-risk sexual activities. Sexual risk was significantly associated with older age (AOR=2.2, 95%CI:1.1-4.3), lower sexual self-control (AOR=0.58, 95%CI:0.34-0.97), and higher alcohol (AOR=2.1, 95%CI:1.2-3.7) and drug use (AOR=2.6, 95%CI:1.5-4.5). Most respondents (80%) were unaware of university sexual health policies and programs.  

Conclusions: Improving sexual health among college students requires health promotion interventions that influence the target population. Factors such as sexual self-control, alcohol and drug use, predicted student decision-making. These factors should be ascertained and addressed in university-based interventions tailored to reduce risky behaviors. Future studies need to explore in greater depth why university students engage in risky sexual behaviors – whether it is due to lack of awareness or a calculated willingness to accept the risks.