The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56229

Lisa L. Lindley, DrPH¹, Ning Lu, PhD, MPH², Thomas Nicholson, PhD³, and Molly B. Kerby, MS³. (1) Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270-745-5870, lisa.lindley@wku.edu, (2) Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576, (3) Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, One Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576

The National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) College Student Survey was an Internet survey designed to examine the health risk behaviors and developmental assets of self-identified LGBT college students in the United States. It was one of the first online surveys designed to examine the health risk behaviors of these students on a national level. Informational packets containing a letter of invitation to participate in the survey, flyers and postcards containing the survey's website address were mailed to 135 LGBT college student organizations and resource centers across the country. Faculty advisors and officers were asked to post flyers, distribute postcards, create a link to the survey from their organization's website, and encourage student participation in the online survey. Data were obtained from 927 LGBT college students during the 2001-2002 academic year. This session will provide an overview of LGBT college students' self-reported HIV/STI associated risk taking behaviors, including: alcohol and drug use; injection drug use and needle sharing; participation in different sexual behaviors; number, age and sex of sex partners; use of barrier methods during oral, anal and/or vaginal intercourse; testing for HIV; and diagnoses with other sexually transmitted infections. In addition, differences in these behaviors will be reported by age (18-24 years versus 25+ years), sex, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity. Results may be used to educate health professionals working on college/university campuses about HIV/STI associated risk taking among LGBT college students and assist in the development and delivery of prevention programs targeting these young people.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:
• Identify the HIV/STI risk taking behaviors of self-identified LGB college students in the U.S.; 2)Articulate differences in risk taking among students based on sex, sexual orientation, age, and race/ethnicity; and
• Discuss implications for HIV prevention programs targeting LGB college students.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.