Casual sex, extramarital sex, condom use and alcohol intake among heterosexual patients attending an STD clinic in Norway.

Abstract

A study excluding homosexuals was performed to study casual sex, extramarital sex, the use of a condom with a casual sexual partner and the combination of alcohol intake and casual sex among patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Heterosexual patients (467) received a questionnaire, and 458 were included. Men reported more (94%) casual sexual partners than did women (76%). According to a multiple logistic regression analysis a condom was used significantly less frequently in "old" respondents, those having a permanent sexual partner, those having low education, those infected with STDs (earlier STDs), those who had had more than 4 sexual partners over the last year, and those combining alcohol intake and casual sex. Intravenous drug users/prostitutes used a condom more often than did men with paid sex and "other heterosexuals". To have an effect on STD patients, innovative forms of health education may be necessary, and greater emphasis should be placed on more informal means of information, including interactive health education and communication strategies to promote positive attitudes regarding condom use.