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. 2009 Apr;36(4):193-8.
doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e3181901ccf.

Anal intercourse among young heterosexuals in three sexually transmitted disease clinics in the United States

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Anal intercourse among young heterosexuals in three sexually transmitted disease clinics in the United States

Pamina M Gorbach et al. Sex Transm Dis. 2009 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To examine factors associated with heterosexual anal intercourse (AI).

Methods: Between 2001 and 2004, 1084 heterosexual adults aged 18 to 26 attending public sexually transmitted disease clinics in Seattle, New Orleans, and St Louis were interviewed using computer-assisted self interview and tested for STIs; Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, and genital herpes (HSV-2). Characteristics associated with AI were identified using logistic regression.

Results: Overall 400 (37%) reported ever having had AI, 266 (28.9%) reported AI with at least 1 of their last 3 partners, and 19% reported AI with their last partner. Fewer women than men reported condom use at last AI (26% vs. 45%, P <0.001). Ever having AI was associated with sex on the same day as meeting a partner [AOR 3.9 (95% CI, 2.46-6.21)], receiving money for sex [AOR 2.8 (1.40-5.45)], and >3 lifetime sex partners [AOR 2.8 (1.56-5.07)] among women, and sex on the same day as meeting a partner [AOR 2.0 (1.33-3.06]) among men. AI with the last partner was associated with sex toy use [AOR 5.6 (2.63-12.0)] and having concurrent partners [AOR 2.2 (1.21-4.11)] among men, and with sex within a week of meeting [AOR 2.4 (1.28-4.37)], believing the partner was concurrent (AOR 1.9 [1.12-3.22]), and sex toy use [AOR 5.7 (2.31-14.0)] among women. Prevalent vaginal and urethral sexually transmitted infections were not associated with AI.

Conclusions: Many young heterosexuals attending sexually transmitted disease clinics reported AI, which was associated with other sexual risk behaviors, suggesting a confluence of risks for HIV infection.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percent reporting anal sex intercourse ever and with last partner, by city
Figure 2
Figure 2
Multivariate logistic regression analyses, stratified by city, of ever having anal intercourse by gender: associated characteristics and behaviors
Figure 3
Figure 3
Multivariate logistic regression analyses, stratified by city, of having anal intercourse with last partner by gender: associated characteristics and behaviors

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