Sexual behavior and attitudes of university students in Northern Ireland
Sneddon, I.; Kremer, J.
Archives of Sexual Behavior 21(3): 295-312
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0002 PMID: 1610290 DOI: 10.1007/bf01542998Document Number: 322390
Compared to other populations, the residents of northern Ireland are at relatively low risk for AIDS. As such, research was conducted to learn more about sexual behavior, knowledge, attitudes, AIDS, homosexuality, contraception, and relationships in a sample of regional college students. While not representative of the broad population of northern Ireland, these students nonetheless offer insight into potential determinants supporting this low risk of HIV infection and AIDS. 419 females and 201 males were surveyed through self-administered, anonymous questionnaires. The survey revealed a relatively low level of sexual experience, with only 50% of men and 44% of women attesting to having had sexual intercourse. Of those with experience, 35% of men and 49% of women were confined to 1 partner. Oddly enough, 1st-year students reported having more partners than students in any of the 3 more senior academic levels. 51% of these sexually experienced males claimed experience with 3 or more partners. 1/3 of the sample had no formal sex education in school, but Catholics were more exposed than Protestants to sex education. 50% were unable to accurately explain to what the initials AIDS refer, and only 2 could decipher HIV+. Modes of transmission were better recognized. 80% would welcome more information about AIDS. Only 7% would refuse contraception on principle, and were almost exclusively regular church-going Catholics. 41% employed condoms, and 16% of those sexually active frequently used no contraception. 91% felt not at risk of AIDS, and approximately 755 had not changed their behavior in response to AIDS. Overall, these students were relatively conservative about love, sex, marriage, and homosexuality. Views were especially narrow among females and regular churchgoers.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
