Anal Intercourse and Sexual Risk Factors Among College Women, 1993-2000

Diana Flannery, PhD; Lyndall Ellingson, PhD; Karen S. Votaw, BA
Elizabeth Ann Schaefer, BA

Objective: To determine trends and sexual risk behaviors associated with anal intercourse among college women over an 8-year period.  Methods: A sexual activity questionnaire was used to collect data from 813 students enrolled in a women's health course. Results: Thirty-two percent of the women had engaged in anal intercourse, and this measure was consistent across time. Women who had engaged in anal intercourse were significantly younger at first intercourse and had a greater lifetime number of partners and more reported STIs. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of expanding our understanding of sexual behaviors of college women and openly addressing anal intercourse as a part of the sexual repertoire of college women.

Key words: anal intercourse, female college sex, sexual risk
Am J Health Behav 2003;27(3):228-234