Faith and Risk: How Religiosity Shapes Sexual Behavior and Educational Implications for Hispanic College Students

This study examined associations between multidimensional religiosity and sexual behaviors among Hispanic undergraduates and implications for higher education practice. Participants were 355 single, heterosexual Hispanic students under age 25 from three public universities who completed an online survey assessing religious commitment, worship practices, personal religiosity, and sexual behaviors. Age and gender-adjusted analyses demonstrated that higher religious commitment was consistently associated with lower lifetime engagement in vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, and masturbation. Other religiosity dimensions demonstrated fewer associations. Men reported greater behavioral engagement, whereas women reported higher religiosity and a greater likelihood of unprotected intercourse at last sex.