Sexually Transmitted Infections among First-Generation College Students

Abstract

Background Because of the social and systemic barriers encountered by first-generation college students, this population is at risk for poorer health outcomes. However, there is no identified research investigating whether this includes sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of the study was to identify whether first-generation students were more likely than non-first-generation students to report a history of STIs. Methods Participants (n = 634) were undergraduate university students at a public institution in the Southeast United States. Using secondary data analysis, this study assessed the relationship between first-generation student status and reported a history of STIs. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey including demographics, first-generation student status, and history of STI(s). Results First-generation college students are over twice as likely as non-first-generation college students to report a history of STIs after controlling for relevant background variables. Discussion First-generation college students represent a population that colleges, universities, and high schools can prioritize for STI education, prevention, and testing.