Impact of Alcohol Use and Drug Use on STD/HIV-Related Sexual Risk Behaviors among African American College Students

Abstract

Objective: The study explored associations between alcohol use, drug use, as well as sexually transmitted disease (STD)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related sexual risk behaviors among African American college students. Participants: The study used data from 294 African American college students enrolled at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). Methods: Participants completed a telephone interview and online self-report survey. A series of frequency analyses and regression analyses were used to examine how alcohol use and drug use interactively affect college students’ STD/HIV-related sexual risk behaviors. the college students had (p<0.001) after controlling for age and gender. However, no association was found between alcohol use and condom use. Results and findings: The findings indicate that alcohol use was positively associated with the number of sexual partners the college students had (p<0.001) after controlling for age and gender. However, no association was found between alcohol use and condom use. Conclusions: Our findings support the need for targeted STD/HIV prevention and emphasize the importance of reducing alcohol use among African American College students on campuses.