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Regional Differences in U.S. College Students' Oral and Sexual Health
Methods: Data were obtained from the American College Health Association (ACHA-NCHA) surveys from 2011-2012. The total of 56,011 survey responses were analyzed using SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC) and assessed with Chi-Square tests of independence. Results: The rate of genital warts/HPV, as reported by students being diagnosed within past 12 months, varied by geographic region of the college campus (p<.0001). Frequencies for genital warts were 1.01% for Northeast (NE), 1.42% for Midwest (MW), 1.60% for South (S), and 1.31% for West (W) region. For the HPV vaccinations, relative frequencies were 49.44% (NE), 39.10% (NW), 40.49% (S), 39.64% (W) (p<.0001). Frequencies for oral sex experience were 65.94% (NE), 72.03% (MW), 69.41% (S), 71.16% (W) (p<.0001), and for condom/barrier use during oral sex were 2.36% (NE), 1.85% (MW), 1.55% (S), 2.04% (W). Frequencies for dental exam/cleaning within last 12 months were 77.73% (NE), 73.41% (MW), 72.04% (S) and 71.19% (W) (p<.0001).
Conclusions: Fewer students in Northeast region reported genital warts/HPV, more HPV vaccinations, fewer oral sex experiences, and more condom/barrier use during oral sex than students in other regions. Students in Northeast region may experience somewhat better health compared to other regions. National interdisciplinary programs are needed to promote sexual and oral health.
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health educationEpidemiology
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the importance of national interdisciplinary efforts to promote oral and sexual health in young adults.
Keyword(s): Oral Health, Sexual Risk Behavior
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have a PhD and DDS degree in preventive dentistry. I have authored multiple articles and conducted original research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.