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

Abstract

ObjectiveTo measure the sexual attitudes, norms, condom use, and adherence of Hispanic and non-Hispanic undergraduate students in three community colleges in the southwestern US.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionOur 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.

Associations between ethnic identity commitment, discrimination, and sexism with sexual risk among Latina college students.

“…The Latinx cultural value of marianismo prescribes traditional gender role beliefs and subordinance in sexual decision-making (Castillo et al, 2010). Unprotected sex contributes to higher rates of unwanted pregnancies and STIs among Latina college students compared to White college student women (Bird et al, 2016).…”

Multifaceted Determinants of Sexual Intercourse with Non-Regular Female Sex Partners and Female Sex Workers among Male Factory Workers in China—A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Perceived social norms supporting sexual behavior with NRP and FSW may be a facilitator for male factory workers to regulate and intimate. Prior studies showed that perceived social norms had considerably facilitated risky sexual behavior among colleges and adolescents in the United States [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Furthermore, perceived social support is potentially important as a protective factor of psychological health promotion [ 40 ].…”

Condoms, Trust and Stealthing: The Meanings Attributed to Unprotected Hetero-Sex

“…Greater knowledge of the risks of unprotected sex is associated with a greater likelihood of condom use, but previous studies suggest that health knowledge is necessary but not sufficient to lead to behavioural change [ 18 , 22 ]. This may be explained by the distinction between cognitive responses—the thoughts or beliefs surrounding a subject—and affective responses—the emotions evoked by the subject.…”

“…Additionally, the one-time stigma related to condom use has shifted. In pre-2000 studies in the West, shame, guilt and embarrassment associated with condom use was partially attributed to the stigma related to homosexuality [ 18 ] whereas more recent studies suggest shame, guilt and embarrassment associated with condom use centre on the perception that their use implies a lack of trust in a partner [ 22 , 24 ]. We are particularly interested in this and other psychosocial factors.…”