A Pilot Study Examining Religious Organization Affiliation, Sexual Health Information Sources, and Sexual Behaviors Among College Students

Abstract

We conducted an online survey to examine religiosity, sexual health knowledge, and behavior and sexual health information sources among undergraduate students affiliated with student religious organizations (n = 45) and unaffiliated students (n = 82). Analyses included Fisher’s exact tests, t-tests, and exact regression models. Students reporting religious affiliation considered religious sources to be believable (p = .004 for sexual health; p < .0001 for romantic relationships) and identified these sources as their primary information sources for romantic relationships (p = .0042). Although religiously affiliated students reported fewer sexual partners in the past year (p = .020), their reported condom use was not significantly different from that of unaffiliated students. Future research should explore the focus and content of romantic relationship information provided by student religious organizations. Health practitioners and educators should consider strategies for collaborating with religious organizations to meet the information needs of these students.