Sexual Behaviors, Mobile Technology Use, and Sexting Among College Students in the American South

To examine sexual, mobile technology, and sexting behaviors of college students. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Study sites were 2 universities in the southern United States. Data were collected from 254 participants via online survey of college students. The survey included 268 items inclusive of measures from previously validated sources. Variables for this study included technology ownership/use, online/mobile dating site use, sexting behaviors/attitudes, and sexual behaviors. In particular, the Sexting Attitudes Scale has been previously validated with other researchers providing comparative data. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used for group comparisons. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine predictors of sexting behavior. Of the 254 participants, over 80% had ever had sex, and participants were more likely to use condoms with partners who they were not in a committed relationship compared to those to whom they were committed (χ2 = 27.324, P = .0001). Seventy percent had ever sexted, and sexting attitudes ranged from approximately 80% agreeing that sexting is “risky” or can leave one “vulnerable” compared to 43% agreeing that sexting is “fun.” Sexting was associated with having multiple sexual partners (odds ratio [OR] = 2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-4.47) and sexually transmitted infection testing history (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.03-4.18). Study findings should be considered as interventionists plan sexual health and risk prevention programs for college students