Associations of Alcohol and Marijuana Use With Condom Use Among Young Adults: The Moderating Role of Partner Type

Abstract

This study used multiple levels of analysis to examine associations of alcohol and marijuana (AM) use with condom use, including the moderating role of partner type, in a general sample of 754 sexually active young adults (mean age = 18.6, SD = 0.63; 77% non-White). Multivariable models examined associations over the past 30 days (global) and at the most recent sexual event (event specific). Over the past 30 days, participants who had a recent casual partner and used both substances reported a higher proportion of condom-protected sexual events during this period compared to AM nonusers, whereas those who had a recent steady partner and used alcohol, marijuana, or both substances reported a lower proportion of condom-protected sexual events compared to AM nonusers. At the most recent sexual event, participants who used both substances were four times more likely than AM nonusers to have condom-protected sex if the event involved a casual partner; however, there were no significant associations if the event involved a steady partner. Marijuana use, particularly combined with alcohol use, deserves greater attention in the context of condom use. Future research should consider different levels of analysis and partner types to fully understand these complex associations.

Sexual behaviors at home and abroad: an online survey of Canadian young adult travelers

“…As the combined effects of alcohol and a new sexual partner contribute to improper/inconsistent condom use [ 39 , 52 ], the third of new-partner travelers who used condoms “every time” may still be at risk of adverse sexual health. Thus, the moderating effects of partner-type on sexual risk behaviors, previously demonstrated in non-travelling US young adults [ 6 , 63 ], together with excessive alcohol consumption [ 25 ], should be considered in the design of pre-travel sexual health promotion initiatives.…”

“…Young adults, aged 15-24 years [ 2 ], are the leading at-risk age cohort for adverse sexual health outcomes including sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI), sexual assault and unintended pregnancy [ 3 ]. The disinhibiting effects of excessive alcohol consumption contributes to multiple, casual sex partners [ 4 – 6 ], made more accessible due to dating applications [ 7 ], and inconsistent/inexpert use of condoms, which in turn leads to adverse sexual health outcomes, including STBBI [ 8 ].…”

A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a cross-systems service delivery model to improve identification and care for HIV, STIs and substance use among justice-involved young adults

“…HIV/STI risk in JIYA is further exacerbated by substance use and disorder (SU/D) among this population. A substantial body of literature documents the positive association between substance use (SU) and sexual risk behavior among adolescents and young adults (Bryan, Schmiege, & Magnan, 2012 ; Shorey et al, 2019 ; Tucker, Shih, Pedersen, Seelam, & D’Amico, 2019 ), including reduced engagement in, and adherence to, HIV care (Lucas, 2011 ). For example, among youth and adults who are HIV+, early onset and problem SU are associated with poor adherence to HIV medications, suboptimal viral load suppression (Arnsten et al, 2002 ; Comulada, Swendeman, Rotheram-Borus, Mattes, & Weiss, 2003 ; Cook et al, 2001 ; Gordillo, del Amo, Soriano, & González-Lahoz, 1999 ; Hosek, Harper, & Domanico, 2005 ) and difficulty accessing and remaining in HIV care (Bartlett, 2002 ; Freudenberg, 2006 ; Rich et al, 2001 ; Zaller et al, 2008 ).…”

Profiles of Young Women's Alcohol and Cannabis use Linked to Risk for Sexually Transmitted Infection Highlight the Importance of Multi-Level Targeted Interventions: Findings from the Pittsburgh Girls Study

“…At the individual-level, alcohol and cannabis use have been most consistently associated with SRB 2,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22] and STI risk. 4,23,24 A meta-analysis indicated stronger associations of substance use as a risk factor for SRB and STI at the global (e.g., frequency of use), relative to the event-level (e.g., having sex while drunk or high).…”