THE RELATIONSHIP OF SUBSTANCE USE WITH SEX TO THE USE OF CONDOMS AMONG YOUNG-ADULTS IN 2 URBAN AREAS OF SCOTLAND

The relationship of the use of alcohol or drugs in conjunction with se xual activity and the use of condoms and other contraceptives was exam ined among 1378 respondents in a household survey of two urban areas o f Scotland. In bivariate analyses, respondents who reported having had sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs were no less likely than respondents with no such experience to report consistent use of condom s, and having had sex under the influence of substances was positively related to Lifetime condom use. Multivariate analyses that included g ender and urban area as predictors yielded similar findings. The resul ts suggest that individuals who combine sex with alcohol or drugs are not necessarily more likely to engage in riskier sex.