HIV/STI associated risk behaviors among self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender college students in the United States.
An Internet survey was conducted during the 2001-2002 academic year to examine the health risk behaviors, including HIV/STI associated behaviors, of self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) college students in the United States. A total of 450 LGBT college students completed the entire online survey. Most respondents attended a 4-year (96.9%), coeducational (98.6%), non-religiously affiliated (87.5%), public (68.6%) institution. Eighty-nine percent reported having sex with someone of the same sex and 45% had multiple (6 or more) sex partners during their lifetime. Most reported using a condom consistently during penile-vaginal (61%) and anal sex (63%). However, only 4% used a condom or other barrier consistently during oral sex and 28% used a condom or other barrier during their last sexual encounter. Injection drug use and needle-sharing behavior was low (2.1% and 1.1%, respectively). Comparisons with heterosexual college students' HIV/STI associated risk behaviors are included. Results may be useful for HIV/STI prevention programs targeting LGBT college students.
Lindley
Lisa L
LL
Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA. Lisa.Lindley@wku.edu
Nicholson
Thomas J
TJ
Kerby
Molly B
MB
Lu
Ning
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D011677:Punctures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities