Sex and substance use among Italian university students. Risk perception and healthy behaviours

A high number of health risk behaviors have been identified during emerging adulthood, and although the issue is discussed, especially among university students, these remain an exceptionally high risk category for sexual and reproductive health. Methods: The research evaluates the results of an anonymous web questionnaire concerning sexuality participated by 4733 students of the University La Sapienza of Rome from January to April 2015. The questionnaire consits of three parts: 1) biographic information and sexual habits; 2) risk perception; 3) psychosocial variables involved in condom use (intention, norms, beliefs, self-efficacy). It is assumed that "risk perception" plays an important role in risky sexual behaviors. Focus of the investigation are alcohol and drug use during sex, risk perception and healthy behaviours among students. Results: Alcohol and drug use during sex is not very common among Italian university students (most often alcohol, rarely drugs). Results also suggest that as students are putting themselves into real risk (alcohol and drugs during sex, sex in public places; past STIs) as they increase condom use and HIV testing. Conclusions: Many studies have shown that alcohol and drug use during sex can be understood either as a "prosthesis of socialization" to loosen inhibitions (especially females) or as a "support" for those that believe to suffer from sexual disorders. In both cases, the risk of exposure becomes secondary. This research highlights how substance use in connection to sex is not widespread among Italian university students, moreover among those few who do it, awareness of risk is relatively high so that urges them to more prevention measures.