Sexual behavior, contraception, and risk among college students.

PURPOSE: To characterize the differences and similarities among college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors regarding their sexual behavior including contraception choices and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk.

METHODS

A 41-item sexual behavior questionnaire designed for this study was administered to a convenience sample (N = 797) of a college population.

RESULTS

Levels of sexual activity were found to be comparable to other college-based surveys. Notable trends included an increased level of oral contraceptive use among partners reported by seniors, as compared to freshmen, without a corresponding increase in condom use; an increased reliance among seniors, as compared to freshmen, on women to provide contraception; and a low level of self or partner HIV testing either before or after initiating sexual intercourse. Gender differences also revealed greater partner relationship duration, intensity, and communication prior to initiating sexual intercourse among women versus men (p < or = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual behavior among college students differs across the 4 years with regard to rates of intercourse, contraception choice, and responsibility, as well as HIV testing and partner trust. University- and college-based health care programs should address sexual behavior with an awareness of the differences that exist in the four cohorts of students.