Alcohol use and serial monogamy as risks for sexually transmitted diseases in young adults

Health Psychol. 2002 May;21(3):229-36. doi: 10.1037//0278-6133.21.3.229.

Abstract

Alcohol and condom use were assessed using global, situational, and event-level analyses in a sample of young adults (N = 305). Results varied by methodology, event, and partner type; an inverse association between alcohol and condom use was found only at the event level. Participants with strong sex-related expectancies used condoms less frequently when drinking at the time of 1st intercourse with their current partner. For most recent event with a regular partner, alcohol use was unrelated to condom use, but gender, relationship duration, and oral contraceptive use accounted for more than 25% of the variance. Thus, alcohol may increase risky sex early in a relationship, whereas partner familiarity and alternate contraceptive use play a larger role as relationships develop.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires