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Alcohol Use as a Predictor of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Young Adults in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Cassandra Carels

    (Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Maria Florence

    (Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Sabirah Adams

    (Language Development Group, Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa)

  • Shazly Savahl

    (Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour (RSB). This study further aimed to examine whether alcohol use, gender, and employment status predicted RSB among young adults in the Cape Flats. A better understanding of these predictors could potentially lead to a more thorough comprehension of the relation between alcohol consumption and RSB among young adults within the South African context. The study employed a cross-sectional correlational survey design, with a sample of 1001 participants aged 18 to 25 (51% women), using the street-intercept method. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, with age and geographical location employed as inclusion criteria. We used the Self-Report Risky Sexual Behaviours Scale (SRSBS) and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), which were cognitively tested and modified, in English and Afrikaans. The data were analysed via multivariate multiple regression analysis in Stata. The key findings indicate that alcohol consumption is an important predictor of RSB. Alcohol consumption accounted for 23.22% of the variation in RSB. We also found that alcohol consumption and gender were significant ( p < 0.1) predictors of RSB, but not employment status ( p > 0.01). Being a woman decreased RSB. The model indicates that alcohol use and gender explain 18.41% of the variance in RSB. This study provides support for the growing body of research evidence that has established a significant link between alcohol consumption and RSB, highlighting the need for longitudinal research to determine patterns of risky drinking in the general population.

Suggested Citation

  • Cassandra Carels & Maria Florence & Sabirah Adams & Shazly Savahl, 2023. "Alcohol Use as a Predictor of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Young Adults in the Western Cape Province of South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:22:p:7053-:d:1278228
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thabang Manyaapelo & Bart Van den Borne & Robert A. C. Ruiter & Sibusiso Sifunda & Priscilla Reddy, 2019. "Effectiveness of a Health Behavioural Intervention Aimed at Reduction of Risky Sexual Behaviours among Young Men in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-18, May.
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