Alcohol consumption has a direct influence an individual’s intention to have unprotected sex, according to a study published in the journal Addiction and reported by aidsmap. An analysis of 12 studies conducted in the United States between 2004 and 2010 on young adults showed that there was a consistent relationship between higher blood alcohol content (BAC) and the likelihood of having unsafe sex—with each 0.1 milligram per milliliter (mg/ml) increase in BAC increasing the likelihood of self-reporting an intention to have unprotected sex by 3 percent. The authors noted that the investigation does not focus on actual condom use, but instead examines the intentions to use condoms.

To read the aidsmap article, click here.