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We designed the current study to assess the rates of risky sexual behavior among women bar drinkers, as well as differences in predictors of risky sexual behavior, based on partner type—new or regular. We conducted comprehensive, in-person interviews with young women who reported weekly drinking in bars. Several constructs e. Rates of risky sexual behavior were significantly higher with regular partners compared with new partners. Among young women who regularly drink in bars, sexual risk taking was significantly higher with regular partners than with new partners.
The predictors of risky sexual behavior differed based on partner type. These findings have implications for including information about the role of alcohol, drinking context, and drug use, as well as individual difference characteristics and partner type in targeted prevention strategies to reduce sexual risk taking. Y oung women report drinking in bars as a way to socialize, meet men for potential dating or sexual partnerships, and feel good about themselves Parks et al.
The combination of alcohol and heightened sexual expectations associated with the bar context has the potential to increase the likelihood that women will engage in sexual activity with a new i. Heavy drinking and drug use associated with the bar environment increase the likelihood that women who frequently drink in bars will engage in indiscriminate sexual activity when intoxicated Buddie et al. In addition, some studies have found an association between heavy alcohol and drug use, and reduced use of condoms Cooper, ; Leigh et al.
We designed the current study to assess differences in predictors of risky sexual behavior based on partner type—new or regular—among a sample of women who reported weekly drinking in bars. We defined risky sexual behavior as sexual intercourse without the use of a condom. The bar environment sets the stage for casual sexual encounters, perhaps more so than many other drinking contexts, through the often permissive social expectations of the patrons.
