Scheduled for AAHE Research Coordinating Board: Professional Poster Session, Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall, National Association Poster Sessions


College Students' Sexual Behaviors and Relationship to Locus of Control

Linda Synovitz1, Ralph Wood1, Wynn W. Gillan1, Sandra McKay1 and Jeff Totten2, (1)Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA, (2)McNeese University, Lake Charles, LA

College students are at risk for disease and death due to risky behaviors that include those contributing to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The purposes of this study were to assess college students' sexual health risk behaviors, compare results to the latest National College Health Assessment data, and assess relationship of condom use and health locus of control. Methods and Sample: A stratified random sample (based on Colleges and Departments) of all students enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University was drawn by Institutional Research and provided to the researchers in the form of an EXCEL spreadsheet. Participants completed an on-line survey and were identified only by their student ID numbers. Informed consent was passive. Of the 706 participants, 544 (77.1%) were female and 160 (22.7%) were male. Ages ranged from 18 to 24, and 510 (72.2%) were never married. Results of this study revealed that 585 (83%) of the 706 participants reported ever having had sex compared to 75.8% of 70,407 in the national sample. In the past 30 days, 468 (80.0%) in this study reported having sex 1 to 4 or more times. The NCHS data reveal that 37.1% of the national sample reported using a condom. In this study, of those reporting sexual relations in the last 30 days, 379 (81.0%) reported they had not used a condom (19% reported using a condom). There was a significant difference between males and females reporting condom use the last time they had sex (p=<0.000). 28 (6%) participants reported drug use before sex and 205 (44%) reported using alcohol before sex. There was a significant difference between males and females who reported drinking alcohol one or more times before having had sex within the past 30 days (p=<0.035). No significant relationship between locus of control and condom use was found. Discussion: Increasing numbers of college students are engaging in sexual behaviors and are not using condoms. Continuing efforts to plan and implement college sexual health programs are needed. As a result of this presentation, participants will: 1. compare sexual behaviors of this sample to the National College Health Assessment data. 2. identify the percent of students who reported drinking alcohol or using drugs one or more times before having had sex within the past 30 days. 3. report the relationship of locus of control to protective sexual behaviors.
Keyword(s): college level issues, health education college/univ

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