1. Factors associated with condom use among at-risk women students and nonstudents seen in managed care.
- Author
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Yarnall KSH, McBride CM, Lyna P, Fish LJ, Civic D, Grothaus L, Scholes D, Yarnall, Kimberly S H, McBride, Colleen M, Lyna, Pauline, Fish, Laura J, Civic, Diane, Grothaus, Louis, and Scholes, Delia
- Abstract
Objectives: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) research has focused on high-risk populations such as STD clinic patients and college students. This report examines predictors of unprotected sex among nonstudent women seen in primary care.Study Design: Data are taken from the baseline survey of an intervention trial testing tailored print materials to encourage condom use.Population: Eligible women were identified from automated databases of two managed care organizations and were ages 18-25, unmarried, heterosexually active in the prior 6 months, and not in a long-term monogamous relationship.Outcomes: The frequency of and relative contribution of risk behaviors to occurrences of unprotected vaginal sex were compared among non-full-time students (n=711) and full-time students (n=390).Results: STD risk behaviors were prevalent and had similar associations with unprotected sex in both subsamples. Older age, using hormonal or no usual contraception, and having a "primary" partner increased unprotected sex; partner approval of condoms and having bought or carried condoms decreased unprotected sex.Conclusion: While sexually active single women seen in primary care perceive themselves at low STD risk, their risk profiles are similar to those of higher risk populations. Clinic-based interventions that include proactive identification of at-risk women and systems for encouraging safer sex practices are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2003
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