Sex, HIV Risks, and Substance Use among Asian American College Students

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Abstract
In this study of 248 predominantly heterosexual Asian American college students, we found some HIV risks: lifetime prevalence of unprotected sex (37%), alcohol before sex (23.8%), and drug use before sex (6.0%). The prevalence of lifetime anal sex is only 9%, but 90.48% of those who have ever had anal sex did so without a condom. The Sexual Risk Indices, measured with a 13 item risky sexual behavior checklist, are positively associated with age. Most students have inadequate HIV knowledge. Acculturation is positively associated with the 30-day HIV Sexual Risk Index and HIV Knowledge Score. Preference for speaking English at home and for American entertainment is associated with higher likelihood of sexual activities, safe or unsafe. Lifetime Sexual Risk Index is also associated with 30-day and lifetime alcohol use. Lifetime drug use is associated with 30-day and lifetime Sexual Risk Indices. Alcohol before use in the lifetime also reliably predicts unprotected sex in the lifetime.