Pre-sexual alcohol consumption and use of condoms - A European cross-cultural study

This paper analyses patterns for pre-sexual alcohol consumption and condom use from a cross European perspective. Research was conducted in France, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Norway and Germany. Data were collected from representative population samples aged 18-49 years-old. Surveys were conducted in 1997 and 1998. The percentage of the population who reported not having consumed any alcohol prior to intercourse was highest in Italy. In all countries, the percentage that claimed they had consumed some alcohol but were not intoxicated was fairly similar. The percentage of the population who claimed they were drunk at the occasion was highest in Norway. In all countries, alcohol use prior to intercourse was more likely to have taken place if the emotional involvement in the partner was low, and if the parties had met the same day. Controlling for selected covariates and explanatory variables, pre-sexual alcohol consumption was related to condom use (albeit in different ways) in Italy, Germany and Norway. Light drinking prior to sex was associated with condom use in Italy, whereas drinking and intoxication increased the likelihood of not using condoms in Norway and Germany