Social differences in partners of American adults: Association with condom use and sexually transmitted infections

Social differences between sexual partners may result in differences in power or communication that may increase sexual risk taking behaviors. The objective of this paper is to examine the association of differences in partner characteristics with condom use and sexually transmitted infections (STI) in a national sample of American adults. The data for this analysis was drawn from a national probability sample of 3,432 adults, the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS). Differences in partner age were associated with reduced condom use and an increased number of STIs. Age differences between partners should be discussed in education and counseling about sexuality. Screening for age differences between partners may provide an effective device for targeting STI prevention efforts.