Too much boozing leads to unsafe sex -- study
POSTED December 13, 2011 - 16:42 | POSTED BY Neharika Sabharwal
Last edited by Jaspreet Virk on December 13, 2011 - 17:18
According to researchers, excessive alcohol intake strengthens the urge to engage in unsafe intercourse which may expose people to HIV infection.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Jurgen Rehm of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at the University of Toronto, said, "Alcohol use is an independent risk factor for intentions to engage in unprotected sex, and as risky sex intentions have been shown to be linked to actual risk behaviour, the role of alcohol consumption in the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections may be of public health importance."
12 studies reviewed
Though, heavy drinking has been linked to HIV incidence, doubts lingered whether it's the liquor that causes risky behaviour or the character of the person.
In order to get an insight into the cause-and-effect relationship between alcohol and risky sexual behaviour, the researchers analysed 12 previous studies.
In the experiments, study participants were randomly assigned to either a drinking or a non-drinking group.
Their intention to engage in unsafe sex was then measured through a questionnaire, interview and behaviour analysis.
Study findings
The analysis found that alcohol consumption influences decision-making. The more the participants drank, the more inclined they were to act irresponsibly during sex.
The findings remained consistent even after taking into account factors such as thrill-seeking or a general tendency to risky behaviour.
An increase in blood alcohol level of 0.1 mg/mL (about four drinks for women and five for men) increased the willingness for unsafe sex by five percent.
Rehm concluded, "Drinking has a causal effect on the likelihood to engage in unsafe sex, and thus should be included as a major factor in preventive efforts for HIV.
"This result also helps explain why people at risk often show this behaviour despite better knowledge: alcohol is influencing their decision processes."
The study is published in the January issue of the journal 'Addiction.'
