Harmful alcohol use among university students can intersect with other behaviours that increase health risks, including sexual risk-taking. Led by the University of Southern Queensland, researchers analysed data from 3,325 sexually active students studying at Australian universities to examine patterns of alcohol use and sexual risk-taking among Australian-born domestic, overseas-born domestic and international students. Australian-born domestic students reported higher levels of risky alcohol consumption, while harmful drinking was associated with differences in sexual risk-taking between student groups, particularly among those aged 20–24. The findings highlight the value of considering alcohol harm reduction and sexual health promotion together. Integrated education, responsible drinking environments and accessible sexual health and alcohol support services may provide universities with opportunities to address interconnected risk behaviours as part of a broader Healthy Campus approach.
Citation: Leong, A., Fein, E.C., Daken, K., et al. Differences in Patterns of Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviours Among Sexually Active Australian and Overseas-Born Domestic and International University Students in Australia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2026. (link)