Abstract
This study evaluated how birth control discussions prior to sexual activity affected condom use in a sample of 225 young women
bar drinkers. The use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and partner type also were assessed. Data were collected through daily
reports and qualitative interviews over 12 weeks. A total of 1671 sexual events were reported (M = 7.4 events per participant), of which 64.7% (n = 1081) did not involve condom use. Discussions of birth control occurred prior to 10.9% (n = 183) of all sexual events. These discussions were more likely to be initiated by the woman and to occur when AOD had been
used. Thematic analysis revealed four common themes: confirmation of the need to use condoms, confirmation of oral/hormonal
contraceptive use, use of sufficient birth control, and discrepant condom use. The discussions reduced rates of risky sex
when the sexual partner was more intimate (i.e., boyfriend/dating partner), regardless of AOD use and when the sexual partner
was a friend or ex-partner and no AOD were used. The thematic analysis suggested that pregnancy prevention was a stronger
motivation for discussing condom use, rather than risk of contracting an STI. Given the substantial rate of high risk partners,
history of STIs, and limited amount of time women reported knowing “regular” partners, we suggest that interventions designed
to reduce risky sex should be tailored to increase women’s awareness of STI and pregnancy risk when under the influence of
AOD, and promote condom use regardless of partner type.
bar drinkers. The use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and partner type also were assessed. Data were collected through daily
reports and qualitative interviews over 12 weeks. A total of 1671 sexual events were reported (M = 7.4 events per participant), of which 64.7% (n = 1081) did not involve condom use. Discussions of birth control occurred prior to 10.9% (n = 183) of all sexual events. These discussions were more likely to be initiated by the woman and to occur when AOD had been
used. Thematic analysis revealed four common themes: confirmation of the need to use condoms, confirmation of oral/hormonal
contraceptive use, use of sufficient birth control, and discrepant condom use. The discussions reduced rates of risky sex
when the sexual partner was more intimate (i.e., boyfriend/dating partner), regardless of AOD use and when the sexual partner
was a friend or ex-partner and no AOD were used. The thematic analysis suggested that pregnancy prevention was a stronger
motivation for discussing condom use, rather than risk of contracting an STI. Given the substantial rate of high risk partners,
history of STIs, and limited amount of time women reported knowing “regular” partners, we suggest that interventions designed
to reduce risky sex should be tailored to increase women’s awareness of STI and pregnancy risk when under the influence of
AOD, and promote condom use regardless of partner type.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-011-9834-1
- Authors
- Kristine Levonyan-Radloff, Research Institute on Addictions, 1021 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Kathleen A. Parks, Research Institute on Addictions, 1021 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- R. Lorraine Collins, School of Public Health and Health Professionals, Faculty of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002