Sexual behavior and condom practices among Los Angeles women

Abstract

Background The sociodemographic correlates of the number of recent sexual partners and condom use are investigated in a population-based sample of 1,178 unmarried women living in Los Angeles County. Results Asian Americans, foreign born, and older women are less likely to be sexually active and that more educated and previously married women are more likely. Among the sexually active ( n = 909), Hispanic women and older women are less likely to have multiple partners, and younger and previously married women more are more likely. African-American women and younger women are more likely to use condoms; older and previously married women are less likely. Conclusions Results from this study indicate that women-centered primary and secondary prevention efforts may benefit from targeting women not previously considered, such as women of post-reproductive age and divorced women.