Sexual Risk Behavior
Risky sexual behaviors are defined by the increased risk of a negative outcome, such as contracting
or transmitting disease or the occurrence of unwanted pregnancy.
Risky sexual behaviors include:
Risky sexual behaviors include:
- Having more than one sexual partner
- Changing sexual partners frequently
- Having sexual contact without a condom
- Using unreliable methods of birth control, or using birth control inconsistently1
Sexual risk behaviors place individuals at risk for HIV infection, other sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancy.
Many young people engage in sexual risk behaviors that can result in unintended health outcomes.
For example, among U.S. high school students surveyed in 2013, 34% had had sexual intercourse
during the previous 3 months, and, of these 41% did not use a condom the last time they had sex.
Additionally, 15% had had sex with four or more people during their life and only 22% of sexually
experienced students have ever been tested for HIV.2
Anyone who is sexually active has the choice to practice responsible sexual behavior. Those who do
not practice responsible sexual behavior are at risk for HIV infection, other STDs, and unintended
pregnancy. Individuals need education, skills training, self-esteem promoting experiences, and
appropriate services related to sexuality, along with positive expectations and sound preparation
for their future roles as partners in committed relationships and as parents.
To reduce unintended pregnancies, adolescent births, STDs, and HIV, it is important to encourage
responsible sexual behavior. This can be accomplished by:
- Use latex condoms correctly and consistently
- Reduce the number of sexual partners
- Choose less risky sexual behaviors
- Get tested and treated for STDs and encourage sexual partners to do the same
- Abstain from sexual activity
- Engage in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner
Risk behavior information is collected during a medical visit with a health care provider or during
an infectious disease investigation. Understanding what type of sexual risk behaviors are spreading
diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea help public health officials determine the best methods to
educate the public with risk reduction interventions to stop the further spread of disease.
Adolescent Births
- Adolescent Births - Girls Age 10-14
- Adolescent Births - Girls Age 15-17
- Adolescent Births - Girls Age 18-19
- Adolescent Births - Girls Age 15-19
Communicable Disease
HIV Test - Adults
- HIV Test - Crude Rates (BRFSS)
- HIV Test - Age-adjusted Rates (BRFSS)
- HIV Testing Before Conception (PRAMS)
- HIV Test During Pregnancy (PRAMS)
HIV/AIDS Education - Adolescents (YRBS)
Unwanted Pregnancy (PRAMS)
Cancer: standard site - cervix
- 2017: Annual HIV Surveillance Report
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2008-2017
- 2016: HIV Annual Surveillance Report
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, Utah, 2007-2016
- HIV Integrated Epidemiologic Profile 2015
- August 2017 Utah Health Status Update: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- August 2017 Breaking News: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, Utah 2006-2015
- Special Edition Community Health Spotlight: Pregnancy Intention - Survey Response Options
- Unintended Pregnancy (from Utah State Health Assessment 2016 Report)
- Chlamydia (from Utah State Health Assessment 2016 Report)
- December 2015 Community Health Spotlight: HIV Surveillance Update for 2014
- March 2015 Breaking News: HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- March 2015 Community Health Spotlight: Gonorrhea Outbreak in Utah
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, Utah, 2004-2013