Factor associated with risky sexual behaviors among the French general population

Abstract

Background Despite prevention programs, a rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections is currently reported in France. Aims Research factors associated with risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) among the French population. Methods Subjects aged 15-54 years from the French national survey 'Baromètre santé 2010' were included (n ¼ 16 598). RSB was defined as having multiple partners or failure to use condom at first intercourse with a new partner over past 12 months. Factors associated were identified using one logistic regression by gender. Results The overall RSB prevalence was 9.5%, being higher among men (P, 0.001). Factors associated with RSB for both genders were young age (OR ¼ 1.5), single status (men: OR ¼ 7.1; women: OR ¼ 6.4), homosexual relations (men: OR ¼ 2.0; women: OR ¼ 3.2), low incomes (men: OR ¼ 1.5; women: OR ¼ 1.4), use of cannabis (men: OR ¼ 1.4; women: OR ¼ 3.0). Men-specific factors were history of STI (OR ¼ 2.5) and alcohol drunkenness (OR ¼ 2.2), and women-specific factors history of suicide attempt (OR ¼ 1.6) and history of sexual assault (OR ¼ 1.6). Conclusions Confirming most of known determinants of RSB, this study also identified some specific risky patterns for whom preventive actions can be developed: multiusers of psychoactive substances, people living with low incomes, women having sex with women or presenting history of psychological vulnerability (suicide attempts, sexually harassed).