Factors associated with condom use among at-risk women students and nonstudents seen in managed care

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.

Data are taken from the baseline survey of an intervention trial testing tailored print materials to encourage condom use.

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.

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).

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.

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.