Condom use among Latino college students

An event-level examination of successful condom negotiation strategies among young women

This study examines the effect of condom negotiation strategies on condom use and partner type and substance use before sex as moderators of strategy effectiveness. Women reported their daily sexual behavior during the last month. Withholding sex was more strongly associated with condom use when utilized with a non-casual sex partner. Directly requesting condom use was more strongly and using deceptive reasons to influence condom use was less strongly related to condom use during substance use. Results underscore the importance of understanding the contexts in which condom negotiation strategies are successful in order to improve HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevention efforts among women.

Sexual attitudes, norms, condom use, and adherence of Hispanic and non-Hispanic undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study of three community colleges in southwestern US

OBJECTIVE

To measure the sexual attitudes, norms, condom use, and adherence of Hispanic and non-Hispanic undergraduate students in three community colleges in the southwestern US.

METHODS

A previously validated instrument was used in this study (sexual risk behavior beliefs and self-efficacy survey). Statistical analyses included chi-square and one-way analysis of variance with post hoc multiple comparisons using the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences.

RESULTS

The study participants included 234 first and second year community college students. Nearly 91% of them were sexually active and 95% reported healthy sexual attitudes. However, only 29% reported adhering to consistent condom use. More females believed that condoms should always be used, even if the two people knew each other very well, when compared to males (P=0.04). Hispanic female participants were less confident they could abstain from sex when compared to non-Hispanics (P=0.00). Non-Hispanic females were more confident they could use or explain to their partner how to use a condom correctly and go to the store to buy condoms than their Hispanic female (P=0.01) and male counterparts (P=0.00).

CONCLUSION

Our study findings indicate that adherence to consistent condom use was low among Hispanic college students. This may help explain why they are more likely to report unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. There is a documented need to introduce culturally sensitive health promotion programming specifically designed to meet the needs of this at-risk and understudied population.

The role of negative mood states and consequences of hypersexual behaviours in predicting hypersexuality among university students

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The issue of whether hypersexual behaviours exist among university students is controversial because many of these individuals engage in sexual exploration during their time at university. To date, little is known about the correlates of hypersexual behaviours among university students in the UK. Therefore, the aims of this exploratory study were two-fold. Firstly, to explore and establish the correlates of hypersexual behaviours, and secondly, to investigate whether hypersexuality among university students can be predicted by variables relating to negative mood states (i.e., emotional dysregulation, loneliness, shame, and life satisfaction) and consequences of hypersexual behaviour.

METHODS

Survey data from 165 British university students was analysed using regression analyses.

RESULTS

The full regression model significantly predicted hypersexual behaviours. However, only a small number of predictor variables (i.e., gender, consequences of hypersexual behaviours, life satisfaction and emotional dysregulation) accounted for the significant unique influence on hypersexual behaviours among the sample.

CONCLUSIONS

The study empirically supported the concept of hypersexual disorder. The implications of these findings are also discussed.

Exploring Latino College Students' Sexual Behaviors in Relation to Their Sexual Attitudes, Religiousness, and Spirituality

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, sexual attitudes, and sexual behaviors among Latino and non-Latino college students. The sample included 230 undergraduate college students enrolled at a mid-sized University in the western USA. Sexual behaviors among Latinos were significantly correlated with sexual attitudes and spiritual disclosure in close relationships. However, sexual behaviors for non-Latino respondents were only significantly related to sexual attitudes, not indices of religiousness or spirituality. Sexual educators, health educators, college-level instructors, and counselors can use these results to help Latino and non-Latino students alike understand the relationship between their religious and spiritual beliefs, sexual attitudes, and sexual behaviors.

Prevalence and Frequency of Heterosexual Anal Intercourse Among Young People: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

We aim to assess if heterosexual anal intercourse (AI) is commonly practiced and how frequently it is practiced by young people. We searched PubMed for articles published 1975 to July 2014 reporting data on the proportion of young people (mean age <25) practicing heterosexual AI (AI prevalence) and on number of AI acts (AI frequency). Stratified random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to produce summary estimates and assess the influence of participant and study characteristics on AI prevalence. Eighty-three and thirteen of the 136 included articles reported data on lifetime AI prevalence and monthly AI frequency, respectively. Estimates were heterogenous. Overall summary estimates of lifetime AI prevalence were 22 % (95 % confidence interval 20-24) among sexually active young people, with no statistically significant differences by gender, continent or age. Prevalence increased significantly with confidentiality of interview method and, among males and in Europe, by survey year. Prevalence did not significantly differ by recall period. An estimated 3-24 % of all reported sex acts were AI. Reported heterosexual AI is common but variable among young people worldwide. To fully understand its impact on STI spread, more and better quality data on frequency of unprotected AI, and trends over time are required.

A Comparison by Sexual Orientation of Sexual Health and Sexual Behaviors among Hispanic Men

BACKGROUND/SIGNIFICANCE

High rates of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) related to high risk sexual behaviors are a public health problem in the U.S. Hispanics have the second highest rates of HIV infection among racial/ethnic minorities. Previous research with Hispanic men has identified a number of factors that influence sexual risk and render Hispanic men at risk for HIV/STIs. These factors vary by sexual orientation. Despite these differences in sexual risk by sexual orientation, no study to date has compared the sexual behaviors of Hispanic men by sexual orientation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the sexual behaviors of a sample of Hispanic men by sexual orientation.

METHOD

A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 163 Hispanic men in South Florida, 80 heterosexual and 83 MSM. Participants completed measures of sexual health, sexual behaviors, and demographics.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of men in terms of age of sexual debut, number of sexual partners during the previous 3 months, condom usage during the previous 3 months, HIV testing history, and substance use during sex. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of men in terms of certain STIs.

IMPLICATIONS

Hispanic men as a population may engage in high risk sexual behaviors that place them at risk for HIV/STIs. More research is needed to develop both culturally tailored and sexual orientation appropriate interventions to assist Hispanic men reduce high risk sexual behaviors.

The front lines of the “back door”: Navigating (dis)engagement, coercion, and pleasure in women’s anal sex experiences

Despite the frequent depiction of heterosexual anal sex in pornography, and growing indications that heterosexual couples engage in anal sex, almost no research has examined women’s subjective experiences with receptive anal sex with men. This study draws upon qualitative interviews with 20 American women (mean age = 34, SD = 13.35) from diverse ages and backgrounds to illuminate five themes in women’s narratives about receptive anal sex: (1) initial resistance followed by submission; (2) initial interest followed by withdrawal from subsequent anal sex experiences; (3) violence and coercion surrounding anal sex; (4) social norming (e.g. men’s male friends normalizing heterosexual anal sex; seeing anal sex as normative after watching pornography); and (5) pleasurable experiences with anal eroticism. Implications for the re-evaluation of consent, imagining a continuum of sexualized violence, heteronormative assumptions about access to and power over women, silences surrounding non-penetrative anal eroticism, and women’s (dis)engagement with anal sex are explored.

Young Hispanic Men and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Choices

This exploratory descriptive study examined perceived vulnerabilities to human papillomavirus (HPV) and the correlation to factors influencing vaccine beliefs and vaccine decision making in young Hispanic males attending a large public urban university. Only 24% of participants believed that the HPV vaccine could prevent future problems, and 53% said they would not be vaccinated. The best predictors of HPV vaccination in young Hispanic men were agreement with doctor recommendations and belief in the vaccine's efficacy. Machismo cultural norms influence young Hispanic men's HPV-related decision making, their perceptions of the vaccine, and how they attitudinally act on what little HPV information they have access to. This study provides culturally relevant information for the development of targeted health education strategies aimed at increasing HPV vaccination in young Hispanic men.

Cross-cultural differences and sexual risk behavior of emerging adults

PURPOSE

The authors examined population-specific risk factors that increase emerging adults' risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the human papillomavirus (HPV).

DESIGN AND METHOD

A cross-sectional sample of 335 diverse, emerging adults ages 18 to 24 years was recruited from a health center at a large university in the Southeastern United States. The mean age was 20.6 ± 1.9 years, majority were females (74.0%), and 61.0% were Hispanic.

RESULTS

Findings revealed inconsistent condom use, reasons for not using condoms, and a need for more culturally specific intervention strategies.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare providers should identify culturally specific reasons for inconsistent condom use, examine cultural and geographic differences in sexual risk behaviors among groups and communities, and modify communication, educational programs, and interventions accordingly.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

By adopting a multicultural approach to the control of STIs, nurses can address specific cultural attitudes and behaviors that may influence exposure to STIs, including HPV.

Shame, sexual compulsivity, and eroticizing flirtatious others: an experimental study

Clinical observation and correlational studies with nonclinical samples suggest that a linkage between negative affective states (especially shame) and engagement in erotic pursuits typifies sexual compulsivity. The present study tested whether experimental induction of shame leads to increased interest in erotically suggestive targets among more sexually compulsive individuals. A total of 74 age-traditional heterosexual university students first recalled either an emotionally neutral or a shame-inducing personal experience, then completed a nonpredictive gaze-cueing task featuring flirtatious or emotionally neutral faces of the same or opposite sex. They also rated the faces' attractiveness and completed a validated sexual compulsivity scale and two control measures (executive control, sociosexuality). Higher (versus lower) sexual compulsivity predicted weaker gaze-triggered attentional orienting in response to the flirtatious opposite-sex face in the shame (versus neutral) condition, and this was accounted for by (higher) attractiveness ratings of the flirtatious opposite-sex face. Shame thus appears to increase sexualization (i.e., reduces salience of agentic features and increases appeal of physical attributes) of erotically suggestive targets among more sexually compulsive individuals.

Perceived peer safer sex norms and sexual risk behaviors among substance-using Latino adolescents

We investigated the association between perceived peer norms and safer sexual behaviors among substance using Latino youth. Between 2005 and 2006, cross-sectional data were collected from 92 Latino adolescents recruited from clinic- and community-based settings in two U.S. cities. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between perceived peer norms around safer sex and two different outcomes: consistent condom use and multiple sexual partnerships. Among these participants, perceived peer norms encouraging safer sex were associated with consistent condom use even after controlling for individual- and partner-related factors. Perceived peer norms supporting safer sex were inversely associated with recently having two or more sexual partners after controlling for demographic characteristics. Perceived peer norms around safer sexual behavior contribute to a lower likelihood of engaging in two HIV/STI risk behaviors: inconsistent condom use and multiple partnering. These findings suggest that further development of peer-based interventions for Latino youth is warranted.

Of Course We’re Exclusive

Monogamy is often emphasized to the Hispanic youth, but only a few studies consider attitudes toward monogamy. This study fills that gap by examining Hispanic college students’ ( n = 347) attitudes using the Monogamy Attitudes and the Emotional (MAS) and Sexual Monogamy Views Scales (ESMVS; Schmookler & Bursik, 2007). MANOVA results indicate the differences based on biological sex and self-reported cheating. College health professionals can use these results to better develop and implement effective sexual education programs for Hispanic college students.

Heterosexual anal sex reported by women receiving HIV prevention services in Los Angeles County

BACKGROUND

This study examined reported heterosexual receptive anal intercourse (HRAI) in a sample of women recruited from HIV prevention providers in Los Angeles County.

METHODS

The majority of women surveyed were Latina and the modal age was 19 years. Women reporting HRAI were more likely to use both injected and non injected drugs and to have sexual partners who injected drugs.

RESULTS

Factors associated with HRAI in a multivariate regression model included use of methamphetamine; use of alcohol before, during, or after sex; and use of dental services at the interview agency. Factors inversely associated with heterosexual anal sex were being African American (compared with Latina) and endorsing the use of condoms for episodes of vaginal sex from start to finish.

CONCLUSION

HIV prevention providers in Los Angeles County should be aware of the need for basic prevention messages concerning condom use and injection behavior in young Latina women.

Psychosocial correlates of HIV sexual protective behavior among Puerto Rican women residing in the Bronx, New York

In this study, correlates of HIV sexual protective behavior, in the form of condom use, were examined within a population of urban women identified as at increased heterosexual risk for HIV infection. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to analyze data collected via structured interviews for 187 Puerto Rican women recruited from the waiting areas of a comprehensive health clinic in the Bronx, New York. Increased condom use with primary partners was associated with higher levels of mastery, more non-Hispanic acculturation, and greater adherence to traditional female gender roles. Increased condom use with nonprimary partners was associated with higher HIV/AIDS prevention self-efficacy. Thus, primary versus nonprimary relationships appeared to represent distinct contexts for HIV sexual risk behavior, with implications for different intervention strategies based upon relationship contexts for Latina women.

Heterosexual anal sexuality and anal sex behaviors: a review

Little research addresses the role of anal sexuality and anal sexual behaviors as a widely practiced but relatively less frequent element of a heterosexual sexual repertoire. However, the importance of anal sex in sexual health is increasingly well-defined by epidemiological and clinical studies. This article reviews existing data on a range of heterosexual anal sex practices and provides conceptual and methodological recommendations for new research.

Truths and myths that influence the sexual decision-making process among young multiethnic college women

In the United States, half of all new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases are among 13- to 24-year-old women. Heterosexual contact is the primary route of transmission (73%). Young African Americans account for 56% of reported HIV cases. In an earlier study, S. T. Roberts and B. L. Kennedy (2006) studied sexual decision making among 100 young multiethnic college women (YMCW). Participants reported high condom use intention (84%) but inconsistent condom use (64%). Participants perceived their risk of acquiring HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as low; however, their actual risk was assessed as high. YMCW reported that alcohol and drugs impaired their judgment to practice safer sex. The YMCW concurrently reported that alcohol and drugs were a routine part of their sexual experiences. The current study examined a group of YMCW to elucidate the reasons that the knowledge of safer-sex practices was not put into practice. The authors sought insight into the lived experiences of YMCW's sexual behavioral choices. The qualitative study recruited 15 participants. Focus groups were conducted, and quantitative HIV and STD knowledge questionnaires were administered. The YMCW verbalized high knowledge of HIV, STDs, and safer-sex practices. The questionnaire scores evidenced significant knowledge deficit in these same categories. Themes emerged from the narrative date. Two beliefs or myths explained why women engaged in sex without a condom. The first belief was that YMCW were not in control of their sexual behavior when "being in the moment." The second belief was "not remembering what happened" secondary to alcohol use. The women reported that the myths were culturally accepted in their peer group; however, the YMCW knew that the myths were untrue. The YMCW expressed a strong desire for someone to teach them "real information" on sexuality as this information was missing in their health education courses.

Sexual behaviors and attitudes and ethnic identity during college

This study examined ethnic differences in sexual behaviors and attitudes, and associations between ethnic identity commitment and sexual behaviors and attitudes. African American (32%), Latino American (29%), and European American (39%) first-year college students (N = 434; 52% female) completed surveys about their sexual behaviors (number of partners, condom use, and alcohol use before intercourse) and attitudes (conservative attitudes, condom-related beliefs, and fear of AIDS) and ethnic identity commitment. Analyses of covariance and hierarchical linear regressions were performed. Among the three groups, Latino Americans reported riskier condom-related behaviors and attitudes, whereas European Americans were less fearful of AIDS. Ethnic identity commitment was a protective factor against risky attitudes regardless of ethnicity. For sexual behaviors, however, ethnic identity served as a protective factor only for European Americans. This study contributes to the understanding of adolescents' sexuality during college and the role of ethnic identity in their sexual experiences.

Latino sexual styles: developing a nuanced understanding of risk

Theoreticians in adolescent sexuality have called for research that is contextual, health-focused, balanced between males and females, and from the perspective of adolescents, noting that scales developed by Buzwell and Rosenthal (1996) are promising. Cross-cultural validation of the measures in the United States. should include Latino adolescents, as they are the fastest-growing ethnic group. Contextual issues for this population include the roles of culture and the family, country of origin, and acculturation. The scales were tested with 155 Latino adolescents, Mexican-identified, and third generation plus. Scales indicated good reliability overall although several subscales were determined to best be combined as they created a single factor. Hierarchical agglomerative methods revealed a four-cluster solution with clusters conceptually mapping the original study. Clusters were significantly different on important sexual behaviors, such as virginity status, likelihood of engaging in safer sex, and number of sex partners.

Condom use among unmarried students in a Hispanic-serving university

This study compares the prevalence of risky sexual behavior between unmarried Hispanic and non-Hispanic students in southern Florida and assesses the role of substance use in risky sexual behavior. Among 815 unmarried respondents, approximately 35% had two or more sexual partners within the past 12 months. Compared with non-Hispanic White students, Hispanic students were less likely to engage in unprotected sex under the influence of alcohol (25% vs. 16%) but also less likely to have been tested for HIV infection (55% vs. 43%). The percentage of students using a condom during their last sexual encounter was 8% (oral), 35% (anal), and 50% (vaginal). For both Hispanic and non-Hispanic students, condom use was low regardless of smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and marijuana use. From the problem behavior theory perspective, condom use and substance use may have different behavioral origins. These findings can help target and guide the development of prevention programs in university settings.