Sexual health among male college students in the United States and the Netherlands

Am J Health Behav. 2005 Mar-Apr;29(2):172-82. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.29.2.8.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess differences in sexual health behaviors, outcomes, and potential sociocultural determinants among male college students in the United States and the Netherlands.

Methods: Survey data were collected from random samples of students from both national cultures.

Results: American men were more likely to report inadequate contraception, HIV/STD infection, and unintended pregnancy than were Dutch men. Religiosity and sexuality education were able to explain national differences in these sexual health outcomes.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that sexuality education seems to decrease, rather than increase, sexual risk in heterosexually active male college students.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced / statistics & numerical data
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Adult
  • Birth Rate
  • Contraception Behavior / psychology
  • Contraception Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Universities