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Exploring the Determinants of Risky Sexual Behavior Among Ethnically Diverse University Students: the Student Behavioral Health Survey-Web

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Abstract

Universities create policies and develop programs to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Unfortunately, most historically Black colleges and Hispanic-serving institutions have limited information about student practices and program effectiveness. This study examined the prevalence and determinants of risky sex among students attending a Hispanic-serving university. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to obtain sensitive data from a random sample of students. Nearly two-thirds (65.2%) of 632 respondents reported engaging in risky sex. Sexual risk was significantly associated with older age (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.09–4.30), lower self-control (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.34–0.97), and higher alcohol (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.20–3.67) and drug use (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.48–4.50). Most respondents were unaware of university policies and programs. Programs to improve sexual health must influence risk-taking students. Perceptions of self-control and use of alcohol and drugs affected sexual decision-making. These factors should be ascertained and addressed by behavioral interventions aimed at minimizing risky behaviors and limiting the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

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Acknowledgements

We appreciate the contributions of our classmates, Meredith Wilcox, Kathleen McInvale, Sheila McKinney, and Soumyadeep Mukherjee for their helpful participation in the conceptualization of the research problem and development, pre-test, and implementation of the Student Behavioral Health Survey-Web. We thank faculty members, administrators, and staff of the university and the Student Health Center, particularly Dr. Adriana Campa, Dr. Consuelo Boronat, Dr. Oscar Loynaz, and Ms. Dona Walcott for their interest, guidance, and support. Most importantly, we are grateful for our fellow students who responded to our e-mail invitation and completed and returned an anonymous online questionnaire.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Telehealth Center of Excellence, Baptist Health South Florida, Coral Gables, FL, USA

    Muni Rubens

  2. Jefferson Dental Clinic, Dallas, TX, USA

    Anamica Batra

  3. Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC 5 419, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Elena Sebekos, Hideaki Tanaka & William Darrow

  4. Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    Kemesha Gabbidon

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  1. Muni Rubens
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Correspondence to William Darrow.

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The research protocol, instruments, and procedures were reviewed and approved as exempt by the university’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).

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Rubens, M., Batra, A., Sebekos, E. et al. Exploring the Determinants of Risky Sexual Behavior Among Ethnically Diverse University Students: the Student Behavioral Health Survey-Web. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 6, 953–961 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-019-00596-7

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