Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll

The Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll study is an annual online survey investigating emerging issues of importance to young people’s health and wellbeing. Since 2005, we have surveyed almost 20,000 people aged between 15 and 29 years of age about sexual risk behaviour and drug use. Questions have covered participants’ sexual behaviours, safe sex, pornography, and sexuality education. We ask about alcohol and other drug use, tobacco and vaping and mental health. Each year, a special section delves in depth on a novel topic of interest, such as period product choices, COVID-19 vaccination, body image or internet safety. The student project could focus on one of these issues or a range of themes.

In this project, the student will use the data collected to investigate patterns of risk behaviours, knowledge, and health outcomes. This will involve quantitative analysis of the relationship between variables such as condom use, number of sexual partners, drug and alcohol use and perceptions of risk. The project could also involve in-depth qualitative data collection via content analysis, focus group discussions or interviews.

These findings, in the context of current public health measures, will be used to advise on the design of future health promotion campaigns.