Transactional sexual activity among university students: Prevalence and clinical correlates

Objectives: This study examined the prevalence and mental health correlates of transactional sexual activity (sex for compensation) in a university sample. Methods: A 156-item anonymous survey was distributed via random email generation to 9,449 university students. Results: The prevalence of transactional sex was 2.1%. Respondents who had sold sex (n = 30) reported significantly higher rates of risky sexual behavior and mental health problems than those who had not sold sex (n = 1,405). Conclusions: Transactional sex in our sample of university students was associated with a range of impulsive or compulsive behaviors that may affect students’ health and well-being.