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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 2015 Nov 1;106(8):e489–e495. [Article in French] doi: 10.17269/CJPH.106.4968

Les comportements sexuels et le harcèlement sexuel en milieu postsecondaire dans l’Ouest canadien

Stéfan R Delaquis 19, Ndeye Rokhaya Gueye 29, Danielle L de Moissac 29,✉
PMCID: PMC6972277  PMID: 26986909

Abstract

OBJECTIVES : Risky sexual behaviour associated with sexually transmitted infections (STI) and sexual harassment are important topics in university environments and public health. This article compares these behaviours between student cohorts in 2005 and 2012 from a Western Canadian university. The sexual habits of young adults with multiple partners are also examined.

METHODS : Researchers conducted a comparative study of sexual behaviour among approximately 400 students per cohort. Estimates of prevalence and adjusted odds for age group and sex were used to analyze associations between the two cohorts and their sexual behaviours.

RESULTS : Trends in sexual behaviour of young adults are maintained with respect to the proportion of those who are sexually active and their number of partners. A reduction in sexual harassment is observed, especially towards women. The condom remains the most frequently used method of contraception, but its use is erratic, particularly among respondents with multiple sexual partners. Drinking and the use of drugs predisposes to unplanned sexual relations and to non-use of means to prevent STIs and pregnancy, particularly among respondents with multiple sexual partners.

CONCLUSIONS : The postsecondary student population should be informed of the risks associated with multiple sexual partners and alcohol and drug consumption leading to unplanned sexual acts. A sexual harassment policy contributes to reduction of incidents of harassment within a postsecondary institution.

Keywords: Risky sexual behaviour, multiple partners, harassment, STI, young adults

Footnotes

Sources d’assistance: Le financement pour cette étude a été obtenu du Consortium national de formation en santé par l’entremise de Santé Canada.

Conflit d’intérêts Aucun à déclarer.

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