Factors influencing the relationship between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour among young people: A systematic review

Abstract

Within the literature, there is a well-established relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour. Three different but related explanations have been identified to account for the relationship, namely social, biological and individual. Although these explanations and the associated factors have been well explored in the literature, there is currently no empirical initiative that has shown how these factors interact with each other within the alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour relationship. The aim of the systematic review is to review and synthesise existing literature on the relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour among young adults (18–24 years old). Seventy-one articles were included in the review subsequent to a systematic search of the literature. The review highlighted three thematic domains relating to personality influences, social determinants and interpersonal factors, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of these factors. At a foundation level, more research is required to gain new insights, discover new ideas and/or increase knowledge of a phenomenon, i.e. factors influencing the relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour among young adults.