The singles scene: Safe sex practices and attitudes among at-risk heterosexual adults

Abstract

Abstract The safe sex practices and attitudes of 112 heterosexual adults (58 men, 54 women), aged 20 to 40 years were elicited through an interview and questionnaire. Participants were recruited at discos and bars catering to single adults. Attitudes to safe sex were generally positive although these attitudes were not always reflected in actual practices. High levels of sexual activity were reported, including high risk behaviours such as unprotected anal sex with casual and regular partners for both men and women. Participants reported that situational and partner characteristics, among others, intervened in the practice of safe sex in spite of intentions to use condoms. Explicit communication with partners about condom use occurred for few-men and only half the women. In general, the findings replicated those for adolescents, suggesting that similar strategies need to be employed to increase the uptake of safe sex for both population groups.