Post COVID-19 Analysis Of Barrier Method Use And Sex Practices Among Undergraduate Students

Background: Undergraduate students are often between ages 18-24 and have a high predisposition for engaging in risky sexual behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the normality of socially protective behaviors and communicable disease knowledge for public health defense. Purpose: To measure the frequency of barrier method use among undergraduate students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic including variables of relationship status, forms of sex, and barrier method communication comfort. Methods: A researcher-created questionnaire was used to collect data on the COVID-19 safety habits, sexual behaviors, and communication practices of the previous 12 months among respondents. Results: Precautionary behaviors related to COVID-19 were not predictive of safer sex behaviors like barrier method use among the undergraduate population from August 2020-August 2021. Additional tests that demonstrated statistical significance included: Upperclassmen comfort in barrier method communication with non-monogamous partners; Increased face mask use and handwashing among fully-vaccinated participants before vaccination than afterward; and Self-identified “Lesbians” were the least likely sexual identity to use any form of barrier method. Discussion: Tests did not prove overall significance between socially and sexually protective behaviors, but future research could compare the identities and sexual practices of individuals on their knowledge and application of population and public health preservation.