Sexual Risk Behaviors Among First Year College Students, 2000-2002

Objective: To determine sexual risk behaviors among first semester college freshman during a three year period. Method: A sexual activity questionnaire was used to collect data from 778 students enrolled in an Introduction to University Life course. Results: Seventy-one percent of the students had engaged in intercourse, had a mean age of 18.2, a mean number of lifetime partners was 3.5, a mean age of first intercourse was 16.4, and a mean number of partners in the past 3 months was 1.3. Students had very low rates of reported STIs and over 60 percent used a condom the last time they had sex. Fifteen percent of first year college women and 16% of men had engaged in anal intercourse. Women who engaged in anal intercourse had first intercourse at a younger age, had a greater number of partners in the last 3 months, were happier with their body, and masturbated more. Men who had engaged in anal intercourse had first intercourse at a younger age, had a greater number of lifetime partners, had a greater number of partners in the last 3 months, and were happier with their body. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of expanding our understanding of sexual behaviors of first year college students and openly addressing anal intercourse as a part of the sexual repertoire of college men and women.