Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of unprotected sex
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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A new study shows that the more a person drinks alcohol, the more often he will practice unprotected sex. The spread of HIV is mainly caused by unsafe sex, and this is the main risk factor for the global spread of diseases.
Until now, there was uncertainty about the causal relationship of excessive drinking and the spread of HIV. Scientists were skeptical about the hypothesis of the influence of alcohol use on the practice of unprotected sex, the search for thrill and the tendency to risky behavior in general.
The study, published in the journal Addiction, presented the results of 12 experiments that analyzed this cause-and-effect relationship.
Scientists compared their results and found that drinking alcohol affects the adequacy of decisions. Everyone knows that a large amount of alcohol leads to a decrease in the adoption of reasonable solutions and causes people to neglect their taboos.
Participants in the study were randomized into two groups in which they either consumed alcohol or not. Then, the intention to participate in unsafe sex was analyzed.
An increase in blood alcohol levels of 0.1 mg / ml resulted in an increase of 5.0% (95% CI: 2.8% - 7.1%) in the probability of participation in unprotected intercourse.
Dr. J. Röhm, project manager, stated that: "The use of alcohol has a causal effect on the likelihood of engaging in unsafe sex, and therefore should be included as a key factor in preventive efforts against HIV."
The general public does not believe that drinking alcohol exposes a person to a greater risk of HIV / AIDS. Thus, public information campaigns and prevention programs should focus their attention on these nuances.
Reduction of alcohol consumption allows not only to avoid the development of immune system disorders, but also to reduce the probability of unprotected sexual intercourse, thereby reducing the number of new HIV infections.