Original Studies

Changes in Partner-Seeking and Sexual Behavior Among US Adults During the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Rushmore, Julie PhD, DVM∗; Copen, Casey E. PhD, MPH∗; Schneider, John MD, MPH†; Lamuda, Phoebe SM‡; Taylor, Bruce G. PhD‡; Kirkcaldy, Robert D. MD, MPH§; Learner, Emily R. PhD, MPH∗; Bernstein, Kyle T. PhD, MS§

Author Information

From the ∗Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

†Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago

‡NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

§Division of Workforce Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Conflict of Interest and Sources of Funding: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. This work was supported by HEAL's Justice Community Opioid Intervention Network's (JCOIN) Methodology and Advanced Analytics Research Center (U2CDA050098).

Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Correspondence: Julie Rushmore, PhD, DVM, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop H24-4, Atlanta, GA 30329. E-mail: [email protected].

Received for publication January 3, 2024, and accepted March 17, 2024.

Supplemental digital content is available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text, and links to the digital files are provided in the HTML text of this article on the journal’s Web site (http://www.stdjournal.com).

Sexually Transmitted Diseases 51(8):p 527-533, August 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001979

Background 

The COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced partner-seeking and sexual behaviors of adults.

Methods 

We examined cross-sectional survey data collected at the end of the first year (n = 1161) and second year (n = 1233) of the COVID-19 pandemic by the National Opinion Research Center's nationally representative, probability-based AmeriSpeak panel. Data were analyzed to (1) quantify behavioral changes across pandemic years, (2) examine changes of in-person dating prevalence during year 2, and (3) assess risk perception for acquiring COVID-19 or HIV/STIs through new partnerships during year 2. Weighted percentages were calculated for responses; univariate relationships between demographic characteristics and outcomes were assessed.

Results 

Prevalence of new partners for dating remained stable across pandemic years (year 1: n = 1157 [10%]; year 2: n = 1225 [12%]). The prevalence of in-person sex with new partners was also stable (year 1: n = 1157 [7%], year 2: n = 1225 [6%]), marking a decline from a prepandemic estimate (2015–2016: 16%). Partner-seeking experiences varied by age and sexual identity in both years, and by race/ethnicity during year 2. Reports of in-person dating fluctuated throughout year 2, without clear relationship to viral variants. Respondents who met new partners in person during year 2 generally reported greater concern and preparedness for reducing risks associated with HIV/STIs than COVID-19.

Conclusions 

The prevalence of US adults seeking new partners for dating or sex remained stable across pandemic years. During future public health emergencies, public health officials are encouraged to offer guidance for reducing disease risks in partnerships, while emphasizing sexual health and providing tailored messaging for persons more susceptible to infection.

Copyright © 2024 American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association. All rights reserved.

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