High-risk sexual behavior among students of a minority-serving university in a community with a high HIV/AIDS prevalence

OBJECTIVE: The authors used a stratified cluster sampling design to inform campus sexually transmitted diseases prevention programs. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: They conducted a cross-sectional study of students (N = 1,130) at a large, urban, minority-serving university in South Florida using the 2004 National College Health Assessment Survey instrument. RESULTS: Of the 1,130 participants, 14.0% reported risky sexual behavior (having more than 1 sexual partner in 1 year and not using a condom the last time they had vaginal intercourse), and 11.9% reported consistent risky sexual behavior (having more than 1 partner in 1 year and not using condoms most or all of the time during the past 30 days). In multivariable analysis, past-month alcohol use had the strongest independent association with both risky and consistent risky sexual behavior. Illicit drug use was marginally significant in both models. CONCLUSIONS: Administrators should address the use of alcohol and other drugs on campus in planning interventions to promote safe sexual behavior.