Alcohol consumption and high-risk sexual behaviour in a university population

The current study explored the relationship between high-risk sexual behaviour and alcohol consumption among undergraduate university students. More specifically, the relationship between high-risk sexual behaviour and alcohol consumption was explored within the context of students' living arrangements (i.e., living in university residence versus those living off campus). Fifty university students from Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland participated in the study. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, a sexual behaviour questionnaire, and an alcohol consumption questionnaire (i.e., the AUDIT). Descriptive data analysis consisted of displaying means, frequencies, and percentages of the study variables, such as drinking patterns, number of sexual partners, high-risk sexual behaviour, and alcohol consumption. A linear regression model was used to explore the three way relationship between high-risk sexual behaviour, alcohol consumption, and living arrangements. The results of this study did not indicate a significant relationship between high-risk sexual behaviour, alcohol consumption, and living arrangements; however, trends in the data highlight results found in the existing empirical literature. The findings of this research provide further insight into the relationship between high-risk sexual behaviour and alcohol consumption, and will hopefully fuel future research in this area that will assist educators and researchers in developing tools and policies that will ultimately lead to a reduction of these risk behaviours