Alcohol Use, Risky Sexual Behavior, and Condom Possession among Bar Patrons

Background: Previous studies indicate that the higher one’s blood alcohol content (BAC), the higher the intentions to engage in risky sex. However, much of this research is limited to experimentally controlled studies focusing on intentions, rather than actual condom use or possession. Purpose:  This field study assesses: 1) the relationship between alcohol consumption and intentions to engage in unprotected sex, and 2) identified covariates (race, sex, BrAC, intentions to engage in sex, hazardous drinking rates) as significant predictors of condom possession. Methods: Data were collected from 940 bar patrons to assess alcohol use, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), intentions to engage in risky sex, and condom possession. Correlational analysis and hierarchical binary logistic regression was conducted using SPSS.  Results: Correlational analysis indicated a positive relationship between AUDIT-C scores and intentions to engage in unprotected sex (r = 0.317, p=0.00). Over 70% of participants (n=660) intended to use a condom if they engaged in sex that night; however, only 34% (n=224) had a condom to use. The regression analysis indicated the predictive model (χ² = 107.81, df=7, p<0.000) was statistically significant, and correctly classified 72.8% of those in possession of a condom.  Although 66% of females intending to have sex indicated they would use a condom, males were 4 times more likely to actually possess condoms.  Conclusions: Alcohol consumption impacted intentions to have unprotected sex; however, intentions to engage in protected sex and condom possession varied by sex and BrAC levels.