DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-CONSENSUAL SEX AMONG A NATIONAL SAMPLE OF STUDENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH EDUCATION.

Abstract

The Purpose of this study was to assess descriptive information concerning non-consensual sex, sexual assault. or rape, in relationship to demographic variables and problems related to alcohol among a national sample of students and a sub-sample of students enrolled in health classes in order to provide information for curriculum development for health educators. This paper is part of a long term study of college student drinking patterns and problems by the presenter (R. C. Engs) and David J. Hanson. Methods: The Student Alcohol Questionnaire was administered to over 11,700 university students during the 1993 1994 academic year from 182 colleges and universities in every state. Of this sample 10,120 were drinkers and 5,926 students in the health classes sub-sample consumed alcohol at least once a year. Results: about 4% of those who drank had been involved I n non-consensual sex. Of all demographic variables among both samples, a significantly higher percent of students were involved in non-censual sexual activities if they consumed a large amount of alcohol. In addition a significant higher percent of those who had raped or been raped were at greater risk of experiencing personal, social, academic and legal problems associated with at risk or binge drinking. It was Recommended that health educators discuss the potential consequence of non-consensual sexual activities with their students. In addition recommendations of responsible drinking and choices concerning drinking also need to be given so students who chose to drink have some guidelines for safe drinking.