Demographics and risky lifestyle behaviors associated with willingness to risk sexually transmitted infection in Air Force recruits.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk-taking behaviors relative to other lifestyle and risk-taking behaviors.


METHODS
The study design is cross sectional.


METHODS
Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.


METHODS
Participants (N = 32,144) were 100% of Air Force recruits beginning basic military training from August 1995 to August 1996.


METHODS
Recruits completed a questionnaire that included rating the statement "Sex without condoms is sometimes worth the risk of possibly getting AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases." Risky behaviors, such as risk taking, rebelliousness, seat belt use, smoking, alcohol use and binge drinking, opinions of illicit drug use, and lifestyle behaviors, such as dietary intake and physical activity, were also assessed.


METHODS
Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses examined the relationships between participant characteristics and willingness to risk STI.


RESULTS
Sixteen percent stated willingness to risk STI to have sex without a condom. Women and white/non-Hispanic participants were less likely to agree with the statement than men and minority participants. Those who reported willingness toward risky sexual behaviors were less likely to use seat belts, were more likely to binge drink, had more positive views of illicit drugs, and reported eating fewer fruits and vegetables.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study suggest the importance of continued education on condom use and the possibility that multiple risk behavior interventions include sexual risk components.
Cooper
Theodore V
TV
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, 79968-0553, USA. tvcooper@utep.edu
DeBon
Margaret
M
Haddock
C Keith
CK
Esquivel
Denise Rodríguez
DR
Klesges
Robert C
RC
Lando
Harry
H
Talcott
G Wayne
GW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas; D047568:Unsafe Sex