The Role of Religiosity on Sexual Behaviors and the Prevention of STDs Among a Nationally-Representative Sample of Adolescents and Young Adults

Background: Previous convenience sample studies associated religiosity with lower numbers of sex partners and limited condom use. We explored the role of religiosity on sexual risk behaviors and STD prevention among a nationally representative sample.  

Methods: In 2013, 4,017 adolescents (15-25 years) completed a representative probability-based survey. Participants indicated the importance of religion in their daily lives. We used a binary recode to measure the importance of religion by very/somewhat important compared to not very/not at all important. Controlling for gender and age, we used Pearson’s chi-square tests and regression analyses to assess differences in sex partners (lifetime), condom use, and STD testing by level of religiosity. 

Results: Among sexually active, non-married youth, the mean number of lifetime sex partners was 3.61 (4.18 females vs. 2.69 males, p<.01). Males reported greater condom use (60.1% vs. 42.2%, p<.001). Females more frequently reported STD/HIV testing (37.4% vs. 19%, p<.001), and a previous STD diagnosis (10% vs. 3.9%, p<.001). Overall, 2,347 (59.6%) respondents reported that religion was important in their daily life (54.5% females vs. 45.5% males, p<.001). Males who considered religion less important more frequently reported sexual debut before age 17 compared to religious males (53.3% vs. 46.7%, p=.001), but the opposite occurred among females (41.6% vs. 58.4%, p<.001). Number of sex partners was lower among religious youth compared to those who considered it less important (AOR = 0.586, [0.506, 0.678], 95% CI). This effect remained constant across all age groups (15-16, 17, 18-21 years) and gender. No statistical differences were found regarding condom use or STD testing by religiosity level.

Conclusions: Religiosity was associated with fewer sex partners among youth regardless of age, but had minimal impact on condom use and testing. Further research exploring the protective effect of religiosity in non-sexually active adolescents could yield new communication channels for STD prevention.