A systematic review of alcohol use and sexual risk-taking in Latin America

Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2013 Oct;34(4):267-74.

Abstract

Objective: To provide an account of published literature on the association between alcohol use and sexual risk-taking, focusing on Latin America.

Methods: A search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, and Cochrane databases identified 561 unique articles. After excluding those that were not directly relevant, 30 studies were retained for review.

Results: Twenty-seven studies showed direct or indirect associations between alcohol abuse and unprotected/risky sex. Three studies, however, showed no association between these variables, suggesting that the public health message of safer sex may have been effective.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to identify factors and behaviors that could be modified to reduce the association between alcohol use disorders and risky sexual behavior.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Latin America / epidemiology
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data*