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. 2020 Apr;68(3):302-312.
doi: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1549554. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

The understudied half of undergraduates: Risky sexual behaviors among community college students

Tracy M Scull  1 , Elyse M Keefe  1 , Julie M Kafka  2 , Christina V Malik  1 , Janis B Kupersmidt  1
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The understudied half of undergraduates: Risky sexual behaviors among community college students

Tracy M Scull et al. J Am Coll Health. 2020 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the prevalence and risk factors associated with risky sexual behaviors in community college students. Participants: A diverse sample of 18-19-year-old community college students (N = 264). Methods: Baseline data from an online prevention program administered in 2015. Results: Community college students in this sample disproportionately experienced sexual assault and were unlikely to test for STIs. Higher intentions to engage in risky sexual behaviors were associated with gender and sexual experience, but also with having lower intentions to communicate with a sexual partner about pregnancy and STIs, and having higher gender norm endorsement. Conclusions: Older adolescents attending community colleges may be at high risk for poor sexual health outcomes, and appropriate theory-based education should be tailored to meet the needs of these underserved students.

Keywords: Community college; health education; older adolescents; risky sexual behavior; sexual health knowledge.

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