Sexual behaviour, contraceptive practice and knowledge of AIDS of Oxford University students

In 1987, a questionnaire was sent to 584 undergraduate students at Oxford University requesting information about their sexual behavior and contraceptive practices as well as the impact of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on both these factors. Of the 374 responders, 65% of the women and 62% of the men had experienced sexual intercourse; 1st intercourse had occurred at ages 16-20 years for 89% of the experienced women and 83% of the men. For 36% of women and 37% of men intercourse had been with 1 partner only, for 28% of women and 27% of men with 2-3 partners, and for 36% of both men and women with more than 3 partners. 27% of the women reported no contraceptive was used at the time of 1st intercourse. During the 4 weeks preceding completion of the questionnaire, 15% of sexually active female undergraduates reported not using adequate contraception. Users during this period selected the pill (64%), condom (19%), IUD or diaphragm (9%), or withdrawal/rhythm (8%). General knowledge about AIDS was highly accurate among these students. Most students considered themselves to be at lower risk of contracting AIDS than others of their age and sex. Of the 78% of students describing themselves as at lower than average risk, 14% had had intercourse with more than 3 partners, while 50% of the 20% of students who ranked themselves as at average risk had this number of partners. Only 2% placed themselves as at above average risk, and 65% of these students had had more than 3 sexual partners. Of students who were sexually active, 35% of the females and 44% of the males indicated they are now more likely to use a condom because of fear of AIDS. 49% of the females and 30% of the males indicated they had, or would have, fewer sexual partners because of the AIDS risk. However, there was no association between increased likelihood of condom use and the total number of sexual partners and having had intercourse with someone in a high-risk group for AIDS (prostitutes). Overall, however, these findings suggest that the AIDS threat is producing reductions in high-risk behaviors.     

Prostitution and risk of HIV: male partners of female prostitutes.

OBJECTIVE--To describe risk behaviours for infection with HIV in male sexual partners of female prostitutes. DESIGN--A cross sectional study. SETTING--Genitourinary medicine clinic, St Mary''s Hospital, London. SUBJECTS--112 self identified male sexual partners of female prostitutes: 101 who reported commercial sexual relationships only, five who reported non-commercial relationships only, and six who reported both commercial and non-commercial relationships. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Reported risk behaviours for infection with HIV. RESULTS--Of the 40 men who had had previous HIV tests or were tested during the study, two (5%) were infected with HIV. Of the men who would answer the questions, 34/94 reported having sex with other men, 2/105 reported using injected drugs, 8/105 had a history of blood transfusion, 14/108 reported a past history of gonorrhoea, 44/102 reported paying for sex abroad, and 8/92 said that they had also been paid for sex. Of the 55 men who reported paying for vaginal intercourse in the past year, 45 (82%) said that they had always used a condom. In contrast, of the 11 non-paying partners of prostitutes, only two (18%) reported ever using a condom with their partners. CONCLUSIONS--Men who have sex with female prostitutes cannot be assumed to be at risk of infection with HIV only by this route: homosexual contact may place them at greater risk. Despite the heterogeneity among male sexual partners of prostitutes, patterns of use of condoms were uniform when they were considered as a reflection of the type of relationship a man had with a female prostitute rather than a consequence of an individual''s level of risk.     

Sexual behaviours and contraception among university students in Turkey

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sexual attitudes and behaviours of university students. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 550 final-year university students aged 20-25 years in Izmir, Turkey. Male students opposed premarital sexual intercourse for both genders more than female students did. The frequency of sexual intercourse among male students (61.2%) was higher than that among female students (18.3%). The mean age of first sexual intercourse was lower among male than among female respondents. The rate of condom use at first sexual intercourse was 47.4%. The frequency of having two or more past sexual partners and masturbation was higher among males than females. It was found that there were culture-specific and gender-dependent differences in sexual attitudes and behaviours of the university students. These results may help in the planning of education and health policies in Turkey.     

HIV/AIDS and Croatian migrant workers

Due to their geographical mobility and long periods of separation from intimate partners, migrant workers are at increased risk for a variety of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. This study sought to investigate patterns in HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and sexual behaviour in migrant workers in Croatia. In 2003, 566 male migrant workers were recruited during regular required medical examinations and surveyed at seven locations throughout the country. Each participant was asked to complete a self-administered KABP (sexual knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices) questionnaire. The average age of respondents was 38.2 years and the majority worked as seafarers (77.3%) and construction workers (20.5%). Only 18.5% of respondents were able to correctly answer all 13 questions assessing knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Seafarers reported higher levels of knowledge than did construction workers. The average respondent reported having had two sexual partners in the last 12 months, with slightly over half of the respondents (55.3%) reporting condom use at their last intercourse with a casual partner. One fifth of the respondents (20.3%) who reported having had intercourse with a sex worker during the last year reported not using condoms at last intercourse. The number of sexual partners was correlated with age, marital status, faith in God, and personal HIV risk assessment. Attitudes toward condom use, co-workers' HIV/AIDS concerns and the duration of migrant status (within the last two years) were shown to be significant correlates of condom use at last intercourse with a casual partner. The effect of HIV/AIDS related knowledge on analyzed behaviors did not reach statistical significance. Inadequate patterns of migrant workers' condom use, gaps in knowledge about HIV transmission and modes of protection, as well as widespread ignorance regarding available anonymous HIV testing found by this study suggest a critical need for expert intervention to avert the potential for an increase in new HIV/AIDS cases. A coordinated, systematic campaign for HIV/AIDS prevention among Croatian migrant workers should focus on increasing peer communication about HIV/AIDS, especially among younger migrant workers, and on reducing the frequency of sexual risk taking.     

Prevalence of HIV,Syphilis, HCV and Their High Risk Behaviors among Migrant Workers in Eastern China

Objective

The goal of this study was to understand the knowledge about AIDS, identify the correlates and determine the prevalence of HIV infection, syphilis, HCV among migrant workers in Zhejiang, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using face-to-face anonymous questionnaire interviews was conducted and blood samples were collected for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C infection screening.

Results

17,377 (92.8%) of 18,730 migrant workers approached were interviewed. Among 17,377 participants, the HIV/AIDS knowledge rate was 66.2%. A total of 12,694 (73%) of the participants reported having ever had sexual intercourse, with 30.1% of single participants reporting having had sexual intercourse. Among those respondents with sexual experiences, 7.5% admitted they had two or more sexual partners and 4.9% reported having had sex with casual (unpaid) partners in the previous 12 months, whilst 3.7% had paid for sex. More than half of those who had paid for sex (59.4%) had not used a condom every time in their sexual acts with the sex workers. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that high risk sexual behavior (defined as sex with a casual or commercial sex partner without using a condom consistently) was associated with being divorced or widowed (P<0.05 for single); male gender; shorter duration of stay in Zhejiang; working in factory, market or domestic service (P<0.05 for odd job); having a province of origin inside Zhejiang; and drug use. The prevalence of HIV and HCV infections were 0.02% (95% CI: 0.01%–0.06%) and 0.40% (95%CI: 0.31%–0.51%), respectively. The prevalence of syphilis among those who were sexually active was 0.55% (95% CI: 0.43%–0.70%). Risk factors for syphilis included shorter duration of stay in Zhejiang, ethnic minority status, being divorced or widowed and having had multiple sex partners.

Conclusions

Much greater efforts are needed to promote safer sex, and programs for the control of syphilis need to be tailored for migrant workers in China.     

Low-investment copulation: Sex differences in motivations and emotional reactions

Samples of male (n = 113) and female (n = 175) college students were surveyed. Majorities of both sexes agreed with statements indicating that males' sexual attractiveness varied more than females' sexual attractiveness as a function of their status. Subjects who reported more sex partners and a greater aversion to sexual monogamy were slightly more likely to agree that they tested their partners to see how far they could push them. Interviews with highly sexually active females (n = 32) and males (n = 24) indicated that low-investment copulation and lack of control over the sexual access-investment ratio caused even women with very permissive attitudes and multiple sex partners to develop an aversion to low-investment copulation. Three levels were identified in this process. The techniques that women with multiple partners used to deal with their feelings are described. Females tested their partners for ability and willingness to invest. Males tested for opportunities to reduce investment and pursue other women. High status, for example athletic stardom, transformed males' sexual attractiveness to women and numbers of sex partners. Results were consistent with the view that the emotional-motivational mechanisms that moderate sexual arousal and attraction are sexually dimorphic.     

Risky Sexual Behaviors among Female Youth in Tiss Abay,a Semi-Urban Area of the Amhara Region,Ethiopia

Background

Little is known about sexual risks and associated factors about female youths in semi-urban areas of Ethiopia. This study aimed to describe the nature and magnitude of risky sexual behaviors, and the socio-demographic and behavioral determinants among female youths in Tiss Abay, a semi-urban area on the outskirts of Bahir Dar City of the Amhara Region in northern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional census type study was conducted among female youths who were unmarried and aged 15–29 years in September 2011.

Results

711 female youths participated in the study, with the mean age of initiation of sex of 78.6% being16.73±2.53 years. Only 52(9.3%) used condom during the first sex. Within the last 12 months, 509(71.6%) had sexual intercourse and 278(54.6%) had two or more sex partners, and 316(62.1%) did not use condom during their last sex. Sex under the influence of substances was reported by 350(68.8%), and a third of the recent sexes were against the will of participants. One or more risky sexual practices were reported by 503(70.3%) participants, including: multiple sexual partnerships, inconsistently using or not using condoms, sex under the influence of alcohol and/or sex immediately after watching pornography. Age group, current marital status, drinking homemade alcohol, chewing ‘khat’, watching pornography and using any form of stimulant substances were the predictors of risky sexual behavior. Watching pornography before sex and sex for transaction were the predicators of not using condom during most recent sex.

Conclusions

Risky sexual behaviors were very common among the female youths in Tiss Abay. Initiation of context-based interventions, such as raising awareness about the risks, safer sex practices, condom promotion and integration of gender issues in the programs are recommended.     

Factors Associated with Inconsistent Condom Use among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Cambodia

Background

Compared to the general population, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk for HIV and less understood due to their more hidden and stigmatized nature. Moreover, the discrepancy in findings in the literature merits further investigations in MSM populations from different cultures and settings. We therefore conducted this study to explore factors associated with inconsistent condom use among high-risk MSM in Cambodia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 among 367 MSM randomly selected from Battembang and Siem Reap using a two-stage cluster sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews to collect information on characteristics of respondents, HIV testing history, self-perception of HIV risk, substance use, sexual behaviors, mental disorders, and HIV knowledge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with inconsistent condom use.

Results

On average, 62.3% of respondents reported that they always used condoms over the past three months. The rates varied with types of sexual partners; the proportion of respondents who reported always using condoms was 55.1%, 64.2%, 75.9%, 73.0%, 78.1%, and 70.3%, for sexual partners who were girlfriends, boyfriends, female sex workers, male sex workers, female clients, or male clients, respectively. After adjustment, inconsistent condom use was significantly associated with age of ≥25 (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.09–2.86), self-rated quality of life as good or very good (AOR = 4.37, 95% CI = 1.79–5.67), self-perception of higher HIV risk compared to the general population (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.35–4.17), illicit drug use in the past three months (AOR = 5.76, 95% CI = 1.65–10.09), and reported consistent lubricant use when selling anal sex to men in the past three months (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.07–8.12).

Conclusions

We found risky sexual behaviors to be considerably high among MSM in this study, especially among those who used illicit drugs or were older than 25. HIV education and social marketing should be expanded and specifically designed for MSM to better educate on the increased risk of HIV with unprotected anal sex and illicit drug use as risk factors, and the importance of the use of both condoms and lubricant during anal intercourse.     

Frequency of intercourse and contraceptive choice

The effects of frequency of intercourse on perceptions of two of the most widely used contraceptive methods, the pill and condom, were assessed in 128 female college students currently involved in a sexual relationship. Intercourse frequency was found to be strongly associated with knowledge of both methods. People experiencing more frequent sexual intercourse were more favourably disposed towards the pill and less towards the condom than people experiencing intercourse less frequently. Implications of these results are discussed.     

Condom use and its consistency among metropolitan high school students in Croatia, 1997-2001: has anything changed?

Sexually active adolescents face serious health risks associated with unprotected sexual intercourse, such as HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as well as unwanted pregnancy. To assess protective behavior among urban adolescents in Croatia we surveyed over 4000 high-school students, 15-19 years of age, in two waves: 2070 in 1997 and 1972 in 2001. The survey was carried out in various types of secondary schools in the capital city. The analyses suggest statistically significant increase in HIVIAIDS related knowledge in the observed period. A slight but significant increase was also observed in the acceptance of condom use. Both changes were more substantial among female students. In regards to protective behavior, we found significant increase in condom use, as well as in its consistency. Still, a large proportion of students did not use condom at last sexual intercourse (40% in 2001). In addition to generational effect, number of sexual partners, sexual victimization and mother's education (only in the case of young women) were identified as correlates of condom use consistency. While mother's education had positive effect, having 4 or more partners and having survived sexual violence decreased the likelihood of consistent condom use. In conclusion, the authors discuss the relevance of systematic school-based prevention of sexual risk taking among Croatian adolescents.     

Comparison of female to male and male to female transmission of HIV in 563 stable couples. European Study Group on Heterosexual Transmission of HIV.

OBJECTIVE--To identify risk factors for heterosexual transmission of HIV and to compare the efficiency of male to female and female to male transmission. DESIGN--Cohort study of heterosexual couples. Regular partners of HIV infected subjects were tested and both members of the couples interviewed every six months. HIV prevalence in partners was analysed according to the characteristics of the couples. SETTING--Nine European countries. SUBJECTS--563 couples comprising 156 female index patients with their 159 male partners and 400 male index patients with their 404 female partners. Partners reporting risk factors other than sexual contacts with the index patient were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--HIV infection in partners and high risk sexual behaviour. RESULTS--Overall, 19 (12%) male partners and 82 (20%) female partners were infected with HIV, suggesting that male to female transmission is 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 3.3) times more effective than female to male transmission. An advanced stage of HIV infection in the index patient (odds ratio 17.6; 4.9 to 62.7) and sexual contacts during menses (3.4; 1.0 to 11.1) increased the risk of female to male transmission and stage of infection (2.7; 1.5 to 4.9), anal sex (5.1; 2.9 to 8.9), and age of the female partner (3.9; 1.2 to 13.0 for age > 45 years) increased the risk of male to female transmission. None of the 24 partners who had used condoms systematically since the first sexual contact was infected. CONCLUSIONS--Several factors which potentiate the risk of transmission through unprotected vaginal intercourse have been identified. Knowledge of these factors could be helpful for counselling patients infected with HIV and their sexual partners.     

The Contribution of Emotional Partners to Sexual Risk Taking and Violence among Female Sex Workers in Mombasa,Kenya: A Cohort Study

Objectives

To assess sexual risk-taking of female sex workers (FSWs) with emotional partners (boyfriends and husbands), compared to regular and casual clients. Experiences of violence and the degree of relationship control that FSWs have with emotional partners are also described.

Design

Cohort study with quarterly follow-up visit over 12-months.

Methods

Four hundred HIV-uninfected FSWs older than 16 years were recruited from their homes and guesthouses in Mombasa, Kenya. A structured questionnaire assessed participant characteristics and study outcomes at each visit, and women received risk-reduction counselling, male and female condoms, and HIV testing.

Results

Four or more unprotected sex acts in the past week were reported by 21.3% of women during sex with emotional partners, compared to 5.8% with regular and 4.8% with casual clients (P<0.001). Total number of unprotected sex acts per week was 5–6-fold higher with emotional partners (603 acts with 259 partners) than with regular or casual clients (125 acts with 456, and 98 acts with 632 clients, respectively; P<0.001). Mostly, perceptions of “trust” underscored unprotected sex with emotional partners. Low control over these relationships, common to many women (36.9%), was linked with higher partner numbers, inconsistent condom use, and being physically forced to have sex by their emotional partners. Half experienced sexual or physical violence in the past year, similarly associated with partner numbers and inconsistent condom use.

Conclusions

High-risk sexual behaviour, low control and frequent violence in relationships with emotional partners heighten FSWs'' vulnerability and high HIV risk, requiring targeted interventions that also encompass emotional partners.     

Prophylactic Procurement of University Students in Southern Ethiopia: Stigma and the Value of Condom Machines on Campus

Introduction

Risky sexual behavior among Ethiopian university students, especially females, is a major contributor to young adult morbidity and mortality. Ambaw et al. found that female university students in Ethiopia may fear the humiliation associated with procuring condoms. A study in Thailand suggests condom machines may provide comfortable condom procurement, but the relevance to a high-risk African context is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine if the installation of condom machines in Ethiopia predicts changes in student condom uptake and use, as well as changes in procurement related stigma.

Methods

Students at a large urban university in Southern Ethiopia completed self reported surveys in 2010 (N  = 2,155 surveys) and again in 2011 (N =  2,000), six months after the installation of condom machines. Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests were conducted to evaluate significant changes in student sexual behavior, as well as condom procurement and associated stigma over the subsequent one year period.

Results

After installing condom machines, the average number of trips made to procure condoms on-campus significantly increased 101% for sexually active females and significantly decreased 36% for sexually active males. Additionally, reports of condom use during last sexual intercourse showed a non-significant 4.3% increase for females and a significant 9.0% increase for males. During this time, comfort procuring condoms and ability to convince sexual partners to use condoms were significantly higher for sexually active male students. There was no evidence that the condom machines led to an increase in promiscuity.

Conclusions

The results suggest that condom machines may be associated with more condom procurement among vulnerable female students in Ethiopia and could be an important component of a comprehensive university health policy.     

The impact of socio-demographic and religious factors upon sexual behavior among Ugandan university students

Introduction

More knowledge is needed about structural factors in society that affect risky sexual behaviors. Educational institutions such as universities provide an opportune arena for interventions among young people. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and religious factors and their impact on sexual behavior among university students in Uganda.

Methods

In 2005, 980 university students (response rate 80%) were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Validated instruments were used to assess socio-demographic and religious factors and sexual behavior. Logistic regression analyses were applied.

Results

Our findings indicated that 37% of the male and 49% of the female students had not previously had sex. Of those with sexual experience, 46% of the males and 23% of the females had had three or more sexual partners, and 32% of the males and 38% of the females did not consistently use condoms. For those who rated religion as less important in their family, the probability of early sexual activity and having had a high number of lifetime partners increased by a statistically significant amount (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.4 and OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.3, respectively). However, the role of religion seemed to have no impact on condom use. Being of Protestant faith interacted with gender: among those who had debuted sexually, Protestant female students were more likely to have had three or more lifetime partners; the opposite was true for Protestant male students.

Conclusion

Religion emerged as an important determinant of sexual behavior among Ugandan university students. Our findings correlate with the increasing number of conservative religious injunctions against premarital sex directed at young people in many countries with a high burden. of HIV/AIDS. Such influence of religion must be taken into account in order to gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape sexual behavior in Uganda.     

Efect of emergency oral contraceptive use on condom utilization and sexual risk taking behaviours among university students, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years are both the most at risk of HIV and the greatest hope for turning the tide against HIV/AIDS. Although various surveys have been done on sexual behaviour of youth in Ethiopia, studies assessing the effect of emergency oral contraceptives on condom utilization of university students are lacking. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two major universities of Ethiopia from January to May 2011 using structured self administered questionnaire with the aim to assess the effect of introducing oral emergency contraceptive pills on condom utilization and sexual risk taking behaviours among female university students. Study participants were selected by simple random sampling using the list from the associate registrars of each University. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with condom utilization. RESULTS: a total of 623 students out of 660 were included giving response rate of 94.4%. A total of 103(16.5%) had history of sexual intercourse and nearly half (45.6%) of them had sex before the age of 20 years. Forty (6.4%) students had history of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Sixty seven percent of students had heard about emergency oral contraceptives. One hundred and ninety one (45.7%) of students believe that EOC is effective in preventing pregnancy. Believing that EOC is effective in preventing pregnancy (adjusted Odds ratio, AOR = 0.22 95% CI 0.06, 0.87), condom prevents STI (AOR = 10.37, 95%CI 1.73, 62.24) and younger age below 20 years (AOR = 11.68 95% CI 1.25, 109.19) were statistically significantly associated with condom use. CONCLUSION: a significant number of students had history of sexual intercourse and used emergency contraception. The belief in the effectiveness of EOC negatively affects condom use. The preference for the pill may make teenagers less prepared to practice STI protective behaviours in specific situations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to educate young people in universities about reproductive health and family planning and skills on how to prevent HIV/STIs including unwanted pregnancy.     

HIV infection and risk behaviours among young gay and bisexual men in Vancouver

BACKGROUND: Young gay and bisexual men may perceive that the consequences of HIV infection have dramatically improved with the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy. We therefore sought to identify trends in HIV infection rates and associated risk behaviours among young gay and bisexual men in Vancouver. METHODS: Prospective cohort study involving gay and bisexual men aged 18-30 years who had not previously tested HIV positive. Subjects were recruited through physicians, clinics and community outreach in Vancouver. Annually participants were tested for HIV antibodies and asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and substance use. Prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviours were determined for eligible participants who completed a baseline questionnaire and HIV testing as of May 1998. The primary outcome was the proportion of men who reported having protected sex during the year before enrollment and who reported any episode of unprotected sex by the time of the first follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 681 men completed a baseline questionnaire and HIV testing as of May 1998. The median duration between baseline and the first follow-up visit was 14 months. The median age was 25 years. Most of the subjects were white and of high socioeconomic status. The majority (549 [80.6%]) reported having sex only with men; 81 (11.9%) reported bisexual activity. Of the 503 men who had one or more regular male partners, 245 (48.7%) reported at least one episode of unprotected anal sex in the year before enrollment; the corresponding number among the 537 who had one or more casual male partners was 140 (26.1%). The prevalence and incidence of HIV seropositivity were 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8%-2.8%) and 1.7 per 100 person-years [95% CI 0.7-2.7], respectively. Fifty-two (26.5%) of the 196 and 55 (29.7%) of the 185 men with regular partners who reported having practiced protected insertive and receptive anal sex in the year before the baseline visit reported engaging in these activities without a condom at the follow-up visit; the corresponding numbers among the 232 and 242 men with causal partners who had practiced protected insertive and receptive anal sex before the baseline visit were 43 (15.5%) and 26 (9.4%) respectively at follow-up. INTERPRETATION: The incidence of HIV infection is unacceptably high among this cohort of young gay and bisexual men. Preliminary results suggest a disturbing trend toward increasing levels of unprotected anal intercourse.     

On the road: Croatian truck drivers, commercial sex and HIV/AIDS

The primary aims of this study were to examine Croatian truck drivers' sexual contact with sex workers, estimate the frequency of condom use, and assess knowledge of HIV/AIDS within this population. The research was conducted from June 14 to September 16, 2005 at customs offices and accompanying parking lots in four Croatian cities. The sample consists of 69 truck drivers. Information about sexual behavior and condom use were gathered by using a semi-structured interview. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, measured with a self-administered questionnaire, was found to be low. Six respondents (8.7%) had correctly answered all 13 questions. By contrast, 73% of drivers considered themselves well informed about HIV/AIDS, indicating that most drivers overestimate their knowledge. The majority of respondents (n=62) assumed that most of their colleagues engage in sexual contact with sex workers while on the road, although only one third of respondents reported that they personally have paid for sex. All of the respondents who reported engaging in sexual contact with sex workers stated that they always use condoms. Fear of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection was reported as the main reason for condom use.     

Courtship behaviour in Japanese macaques during heterosexual and homosexual consortships

Female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in the Arashiyama population near Kyoto, Japan, are unusual, in that they exhibit what many would consider to be male-typical sexual characteristics. Specifically, they mount other females within the context of temporary, but exclusive, sexual relationships (i.e., homosexual consortships) and they sometimes exhibit a preference for female sexual partners, even when given the choice of a sexually motivated male alternative. In this study, we examined whether female Japanese macaques also exhibited male-typical patterns of courtship behaviour during homosexual consortships. Data were collected on courtship behaviour during heterosexual and homosexual consortships in free-ranging Japanese macaques from the Arashiyama (Japan) population. We analyzed the occurrence of 12 different courtship behaviours during 3374 heterosexual inter-mount intervals and 1412 homosexual inter-mount intervals. Sex differences between heterosexually consorting males and females existed for only two of the 12 courtship behaviours we investigated: inclined-back presentations and sexual vocalizations. Dominant and subordinate homosexually consorting females were sex-typical in their expression of inclined-back presentations and sexual vocalizations. Consequently, facultative same-sex sexual partner preference, mounting and consortships do not co-occur with male-typical patterns of courtship behaviour in female Japanese macaques.