Romantic relationships and the physical and mental health of college students

Risk factors for cervicovaginal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection were investigated in 604 college women. HPV was detected in 168 (27.8%) of the subjects by L1 consensus primer polymerase chain reaction, Southern blot hybridization, or both. Significant independent risk factors for HPV (P 23, vs. or = 5, vs. 1), living with smokers (OR: 1.9), male partner's number of lifetime sex partners (ORs: 2.1 for 2 or 3, 3.1 for 4-10, 2.7 for > or = 11, vs. 1), duration of sexual relationship for > 12 months (OR: 0.6), and male partner currently in college (OR: 0.6). These data demonstrate that the predominant risk factors for genital HPV infection in young women are related not only to their own sexual behaviors but also to those of their male partners.

This article reviews the research literature since 1980 on alcohol and other (illicit) drug use among college and university students. The discussion begins with a summary of survey findings on the nature and extent of alcohol and drug use, including prevalence and patterns of use and associated problems. This summary is followed by a discussion of the correlates of substance use and problems, including demographic characteristics, personality factors, year in college and grade point average, college residence, motivation, and attitudes. The most popular substance used by college students is alcohol, used by about 90% of students at least once a year. Heavy alcohol use is also prevalent, and is associated with serious, acute problems. Although alcohol use has decreased somewhat in recent years, much larger declines in use have been recorded for illicit drugs. The major proportion of research on substance use in this population has been devoted to alcohol; more information is needed on the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of illicit drug use. Suggestions for coping with problems of campus alcohol use/abuse are offered.