Table of Contents

Component Description

The ACASI section on sexual behavior (SXQ) provides information on lifetime and current sexual behavior for both men and women. Major items in this section include age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, sexual orientation, circumcision status (men) and history of sexually transmitted diseases.

Eligible Sample

Survey participants aged 14-69 years were eligible. Several questions in this section are age and gender-specific. Mentally impaired individuals or participants who were unable to understand English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, or Chinese (traditional/mandarin, simplified/mandarin, and traditional/Cantonese) were not asked these questions. Only data from participants aged 18-69 years are included in this release. Special use data files for participants 14-17 years are available through the NCHS Research Data Center.

Interview Setting and Mode of Administration

The sexual behavior questionnaire was self-administered in a private room at the examination center, using the Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview (ACASI) system. The ACASI was conducted in one of the following languages: English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, or Chinese (traditional/mandarin, simplified/mandarin, and traditional/Cantonese). The ACASI enables respondents to hear questions through earphones as well as read questions on the computer screen. Respondents move at their own speed and touch the screen to indicate their response. No proxy respondents or translators were used in situations when the respondents could not self-report. The questionnaire is located on the NHANES website at: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/2011-2012/questionnaires/sxq_acasi.pdf

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

For details on the QA/QC process for this component, please refer to the MEC Interview Manual on the NHANES website.

Data Processing and Editing

The sexual behavior 2011-2012 questionnaire are the same as the 2009-2010 cycle. However, analyst should be cautious when combining data with cycles prior to the NHANES 2009-2010 SXQ data, since some questions have been removed, questions have been added, and some questions have had slight wording changes. Please see Appendix 1 (for male) and Appendix 2 (for female) for detailed information on variables included in the SXQ section in the latest five release cycles.

The variable SXD021 (Ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex) was derived from whether or not the respondent had reported having any of the specific types of sex. For example, if a male answered “yes” to having had any of the following types of sex: SXQ800 (Ever had vaginal sex with a woman), SXQ803 (Ever performed oral sex on a woman), SXQ806 (Ever had anal sex with a woman), or SXQ809 (Ever had any sex with a man; anal, oral); he would be coded as a “1” or “yes” in SXD021.

Responses to SXD031 (age at first sexual intercourse), SXD633 (age first performed oral sex on a woman), and SXD621 (age when first had oral sex) that were 9 years or less were grouped and coded as “9 years or younger.”

Information was collected using two-part (number and unit) questions for both SXD630 (last performed oral sex on a new male partner) and SXD642 (last performed oral sex on a new female partner). This is to allow participants to report how long ago they had performed oral sex either in days, weeks, months, or years. The released variables were edited to standardize the reported length of time to number of days, using the following conversion factors: 7 days per week, 30.4 days per month, and 365.25 days per year.

In general, if a person wasn't asked a question, the response to the question is shown as “missing.” It is up to the analysts to recode the response to zero as they see fit. For example, if a respondent reported that they had zero lifetime vaginal sex partners, they wouldn't be asked the number of vaginal sex partners in the past 12 months. Since the respondent does not receive the question about partners in the past 12 months, the data will be coded as missing for this variable. Analysts may want to recode this to “0.”

For questions that ascertain total number of partners for all types of sex (i.e., SXD171, SXD510, SXD101 and SXD450), if the respondent had reported never having any type of sex, the responses were coded as “0.”

Analytic Notes

Analyst should keep in mind that respondents aged 60-69 years get asked only some questions. It is important to refer to the codebook to see the target age for each question.

Although the ACASI has many advantages over interviewer-administered questionnaires for sensitive information, inconsistent responses can occur. Since the questionnaire is self-administered, unlikely answers or confusing questions cannot be clarified by the interviewer. Although, the questionnaire was programmed to alert respondents of potential data entry errors or inconsistencies, not every possible consistency check was added. To minimize potential respondent frustration and confusion, the interview was not interrupted each time an inconsistent answer occurred in terms of the number of sexual partners for different periods of recall for different types of sexual behavior.

Users are cautioned about the use of SXQ292 and SXQ294 in analyses, especially in analyses that classify respondents by their responses to these questions to describe or compare subgroup characteristics. The sample size for the non-heterosexual subgroups is limited and do not meet the minimum sample size requirements for statistical reliability as noted in the NHANES analytic guidelines. Even after combining multiple years of data, which is often recommended to estimate rarer conditions within a subgroup, the non-heterosexual subgroups do not meet the minimum sample size. Additionally, there is a high rate of not selecting a specific answer to the questions. That is, selecting ‘don’t know’, ‘refused’, ‘not sure’ or ‘something else’ as a response. This issue has been examined at length at the NCHS Questionnaire Design Research Laboratory (QDRL) recently. Individuals select these answers for a variety of reasons that are well summarized in the report Design, Development and Testing of the NHIS Sexual Identity Question1, specifically in Table 2. For example, respondents from the LGBT community select “something else” when they use a different sexual identity label than those presented in the response options. However, those who aren’t part of the LGBT community select this answer because they are not familiar with what the response options mean.

Analysts should be aware that the 2011-2012 sexual behavior data has some inconsistencies in terms of number of partners reported for each type of sex. For example, about 7% of males and 4% of females reported a greater number of vaginal sex partners in the past 12 months compared with number of “total” sex partners in the past 12 months.

Exam sample weights should be used for analyses. Please refer to the NHANES Analytic Guidelines and the on-line NHANES Tutorial for further details on the use of sample weights and other analytic issues.

Special use data files for participants 14-17 years is available through the NCHS Research Data Center (RDC).

References

Codebook and Frequencies

SEQN - Respondent sequence number

Variable Name:
SEQN
SAS Label:
Respondent sequence number
English Text:
Respondent sequence number.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD021 - Ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex

Variable Name:
SXD021
SAS Label:
Ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex
English Text:
Ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
English Instructions:
Derived variable based on several questions.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 3862 3862
2 No 239 4101
7 Refused 2 4103
9 Don't know 1 4104
. Missing 692 4796

SXQ800 - Ever had vaginal sex with a woman

Variable Name:
SXQ800
SAS Label:
Ever had vaginal sex with a woman
English Text:
Have you ever had vaginal sex, also called sexual intercourse, with a woman? This means your penis in a woman's vagina.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select...
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1899 1899
2 No 194 2093
7 Refused 3 2096
9 Don't know 2 2098
. Missing 2698 4796

SXQ803 - Ever performed oral sex on a woman

Variable Name:
SXQ803
SAS Label:
Ever performed oral sex on a woman
English Text:
Have you ever performed oral sex on a woman? This means putting your mouth on a woman's vagina or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1582 1582
2 No 498 2080
7 Refused 13 2093
9 Don't know 4 2097
. Missing 2699 4796

SXQ806 - Ever had anal sex with a woman

Variable Name:
SXQ806
SAS Label:
Ever had anal sex with a woman
English Text:
Have you ever had anal sex with a woman? Anal sex means contact between your penis and a woman's anus or butt.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 786 786
2 No 1302 2088
7 Refused 6 2094
9 Don't know 3 2097
. Missing 2699 4796

SXQ809 - Ever had any sex with a man: anal, oral

Variable Name:
SXQ809
SAS Label:
Ever had any sex with a man: anal, oral
English Text:
Have you ever had any kind of sex with a man, including oral or anal?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 104 104
2 No 1985 2089
7 Refused 5 2094
9 Don't know 3 2097
. Missing 2699 4796

SXD862 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD862
English Instructions:
BOX 1A CHECK ITEM SXD.862: IF SXQ.800, SXQ.803, SXQ.806, AND SXQ.809 NOT EQUAL TO '1', GO TO BOX 8. OTHERWISE, SXD031.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ700 - Ever had vaginal sex with a man

Variable Name:
SXQ700
SAS Label:
Ever had vaginal sex with a man
English Text:
Have you ever had vaginal sex, also called sexual intercourse, with a man? This means a man's penis in your vagina.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1883 1883
2 No 133 2016
7 Refused 3 2019
9 Don't know 0 2019
. Missing 2777 4796

SXQ703 - Ever performed oral sex on a man

Variable Name:
SXQ703
SAS Label:
Ever performed oral sex on a man
English Text:
Have you ever performed oral sex on a man? This means putting your mouth on a man's penis or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1474 1474
2 No 536 2010
7 Refused 6 2016
9 Don't know 3 2019
. Missing 2777 4796

SXQ706 - Ever had anal sex with a man

Variable Name:
SXQ706
SAS Label:
Ever had anal sex with a man
English Text:
Have you ever had anal sex? This means contact between a man's penis and your anus or butt.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 632 632
2 No 1376 2008
7 Refused 7 2015
9 Don't know 4 2019
. Missing 2777 4796

SXQ709 - Ever had any kind of sex with a woman

Variable Name:
SXQ709
SAS Label:
Ever had any kind of sex with a woman
English Text:
Have you ever had any kind of sex with a woman? By sex, we mean sexual contact with another woman's vagina or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 185 185
2 No 1826 2011
7 Refused 3 2014
9 Don't know 5 2019
. Missing 2777 4796

SXQ762 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ762
English Instructions:
BOX 1A CHECK ITEM SXQ.762: IF SP 60-69 YEARS AND SXQ.703 OR SXQ.709 = 1 AND SXQ.700 = 2 AND SXQ.706 = 2, GO TO END OF SECTION. IF SXQ.700, SXQ.703, SXQ.706, AND SXQ.709 NOT EQUAL TO '1', GO TO BOX 11. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD031 - How old when first had sex

Variable Name:
SXD031
SAS Label:
How old when first had sex
English Text:
How old were you when you had sex for the first time?
English Instructions:
VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter an age. ENTER AGE IN YEARS.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Hard Edits:
0 to 69
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
10 to 51 Range of Values 3795 3795
9 9 years or younger 59 3854
77 Refused 4 3858
99 Don't know 3 3861
. Missing 935 4796

SXD801 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD801
English Instructions:
BOX 1 CHECK ITEM SXD.801: IF SXQ800 = 1 OR SXQ803 = 1 OR SXQ806 = 1 THEN GO TO SXD171, IF SXQ700 = 1 OR SXQ703 = 1 OR SXQ706 = 1 THEN GO TO SXD101. OTHERWISE, IF MALE GO TO CHECKBOX SXQ833. OTHERWISE, IF FEMALE GO TO CHECKBOX SXD733
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD171 - # female sex partners/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXD171
SAS Label:
# female sex partners/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime, with how many women have you had any kind of sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 1010 Range of Values 2058 2058
2000 2000 or more 2 2060
77777 Refused 8 2068
99999 Don't know 12 2080
. Missing 2716 4796

SXD815 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD815
English Instructions:
BOX 2 CHECK ITEM SXD.815: IF SP 60-69 YEARS AND SXQ.809 = 1, GO TO SXQ.410. IF SP 60-69 YEARS AND SXQ.809 NOT EQUAL TO 1, GO TO END OF SECTION. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE WITH SXD510.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD510 - # female sex partners/year

Variable Name:
SXD510
SAS Label:
# female sex partners/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, with how many women have you had any kind of sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 69 Range of Values 1690 1690
77777 Refused 2 1692
99999 Don't know 2 1694
. Missing 3102 4796

SXQ821 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ821
English Instructions:
BOX 3 CHECK ITEM SXQ.821: IF SXQ.800 = 1, GO TO SXQ.824. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 4.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ824 - # female vaginal sex partners/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXQ824
SAS Label:
# female vaginal sex partners/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime, with how many women have you had vaginal sex? Vaginal sex means your penis in a woman's vagina.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 1000 Range of Values 1519 1519
2000 2000 or more 1 1520
77777 Refused 9 1529
99999 Don't know 10 1539
. Missing 3257 4796

SXQ827 - # female vaginal sex partners/year

Variable Name:
SXQ827
SAS Label:
# female vaginal sex partners/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, with how many women have you had vaginal sex? Vaginal sex means your penis in a woman's vagina.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 200 Range of Values 1530 1530
77777 Refused 3 1533
99999 Don't know 5 1538
. Missing 3258 4796

SXQ830 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ830
English Instructions:
BOX 4 CHECK ITEM SXQ.830: IF SXQ.803 = 1, GO TO SXD.633. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 5.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD633 - Age first performed oral sex on a woman

Variable Name:
SXD633
SAS Label:
Age first performed oral sex on a woman
English Text:
How old were you when you first performed oral sex on a woman? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a woman's vagina or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter an age. ENTER AGE IN YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Hard Edits:
0 to 59
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
10 to 59 Range of Values 1437 1437
9 9 years or younger 17 1454
77 Refused 3 1457
99 Don't know 0 1457
. Missing 3339 4796

SXQ636 - # female performed oral sex/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXQ636
SAS Label:
# female performed oral sex/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime, on how many women have you performed oral sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 999 Range of Values 1447 1447
77777 Refused 7 1454
99999 Don't know 2 1456
. Missing 3340 4796

SXQ639 - # female performed oral sex/year

Variable Name:
SXQ639
SAS Label:
# female performed oral sex/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, on how many women have you performed oral sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 57 Range of Values 1448 1448
77777 Refused 6 1454
99999 Don't know 2 1456
. Missing 3340 4796

SXQ868 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ868
English Instructions:
BOX 4B CHECK ITEM SXQ.868: IF SP HAD ONLY 1 LIFETIME ORAL SEX PARTNER (CODED '1') IN SXQ.636, GO TO BOX 5. OTHERWISE CONTINUE.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD642 - Performed oral sex new female (days)

Variable Name:
SXD642
SAS Label:
Performed oral sex new female (days)
English Text:
How long has it been since the last time you performed oral sex on a new female partner? A new sexual partner is someone that you had never had sex with before.
English Instructions:
ENTER NUMBER OF DAYS
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 13514 Range of Values 1101 1101
77777 Refused 2 1103
99999 Don't know 5 1108
. Missing 3688 4796

SXQ833 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ833
English Instructions:
BOX 5 CHECK ITEM SXQ.833: IF SXQ.809 = 1, GO TO SXQ.410. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 9.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ410 - # men anal/oral sex partners/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXQ410
SAS Label:
# men anal/oral sex partners/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had anal or oral sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 500 Range of Values 102 102
77777 Refused 0 102
99999 Don't know 1 103
. Missing 4693 4796

SXQ875 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ875
English Instructions:
BOX 5B CHECK ITEM SXQ.875: IF SP IS 60-69 YEARS, GO TO SXQ.836. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE WITH SXQ.550.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ550 - # men anal/oral sex partners/year

Variable Name:
SXQ550
SAS Label:
# men anal/oral sex partners/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had anal or oral sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 12 Range of Values 83 83
77777 Refused 0 83
99999 Don't know 0 83
. Missing 4713 4796

SXQ836 - # men anal sex partners/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXQ836
SAS Label:
# men anal sex partners/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had anal sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 300 Range of Values 102 102
77777 Refused 0 102
99999 Don't know 1 103
. Missing 4693 4796

SXQ839 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ839
English Instructions:
BOX 6 CHECK ITEM SXQ.839: IF SP IS 60-69 YEARS, GO TO SXQ.853. IF SP HAD NO ANAL SEX PARTNERS (CODED '0000' IN SXQ.836), GO TO SXQ.853. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE WITH SXQ.841.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ841 - # men anal sex partners/year

Variable Name:
SXQ841
SAS Label:
# men anal sex partners/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had anal sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 8 Range of Values 64 64
77777 Refused 0 64
99999 Don't know 0 64
. Missing 4732 4796

SXQ853 - Ever performed oral sex on a man

Variable Name:
SXQ853
SAS Label:
Ever performed oral sex on a man
English Text:
Have you ever performed oral sex on a man? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a man's penis or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 84 84
2 No 19 103
7 Refused 0 103
9 Don't know 0 103
. Missing 4693 4796

SXD847 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD847
English Instructions:
BOX 7 CHECK ITEM SXQ.847: IF SP NEVER HAD ORAL MALE PARTNER (CODED '2', '7', OR '9') IN SXQ.853 AND SP IS 60-69 YEARS, GO TO END OF SECTION. IF SP NEVER HAD ORAL MALE PARTNER (CODED '2', '7', OR '9') IN SXQ.853 AND SP IS 14-59 YEARS, GO TO BOX 9A. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE WITH SXD621.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD621 - How old when first had oral sex

Variable Name:
SXD621
SAS Label:
How old when first had oral sex
English Text:
How old were you when you first performed oral sex on a man? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a man's penis or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter an age.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Hard Edits:
0 to 69
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
10 to 56 Range of Values 1318 1318
9 9 years or younger 20 1338
77 Refused 5 1343
99 Don't know 1 1344
. Missing 3452 4796

SXQ624 - # male oral sex partners/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXQ624
SAS Label:
# male oral sex partners/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime, on how many men have you performed oral sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 1000 Range of Values 1338 1338
77777 Refused 4 1342
99999 Don't know 1 1343
. Missing 3453 4796

SXQ850 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ850
English Instructions:
BOX 8 CHECK ITEM SXQ.850: IF SP 60-69 YEARS, GO TO END OF SECTION. IF SXQ.800, SXQ.803, SXQ.806, AND SXQ.809 = 2, 7, OR 9, GO TO SXQ.280. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE WITH SXQ.627.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ627 - # male oral sex partners/year

Variable Name:
SXQ627
SAS Label:
# male oral sex partners/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, on how many men have you performed oral sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 50 Range of Values 1326 1326
77777 Refused 3 1329
99999 Don't know 0 1329
. Missing 3467 4796

SXQ765 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ765
English Instructions:
BOX 5 CHECK ITEM SXQ.765: IF SP HAD ONLY 1 LIFETIME ORAL SEX PARTNER (CODED '1') IN SXQ.624, GO TO BOX 6. OTHERWISE CONTINUE.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ865 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ865
English Instructions:
BOX 8B CHECK ITEM SXQ.865: IF SP HAD ONLY 1 LIFETIME MALE ORAL SEX PARTNER (CODED '1') IN SXQ.624, GO TO BOX 9A. OTHERWISE CONTINUE.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD630 - Last performed oral sex new male (days)

Variable Name:
SXD630
SAS Label:
Last performed oral sex new male (days)
English Text:
How long has it been since the last time you performed oral sex on a new male partner? A new sexual partner is someone that you had never had sex with before.
English Instructions:
ENTER NUMBER OF DAYS
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 13149 Range of Values 932 932
77777 Refused 4 936
99999 Don't know 8 944
. Missing 3852 4796

SXD844 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD844
English Instructions:
BOX 9A CHECK ITEM SXQ.844: IF SP DID NOT HAVE A PARTNER IN PAST 12 MONTHS (SXQ.627, SXQ.639, SXD510, SXQ.827, AND SXQ.841 CODED '0000' OR MISSING), GO TO SXQ.260. IF SXQ.809 = 1 AND SXQ.800, SXQ.803, OR SXQ.806 = 1, THEN DISPLAY "The next set of questions is about all of your partners, males and females.", THEN GO TO BOX 9. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 9.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD744 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD744
English Instructions:
BOX 7A CHECK ITEM SXQ.744: IF SP DID NOT HAVE A PARTNER IN PAST 12 MONTHS (SXD450, SXQ.727, SXQ.627, SXQ639, AND SXQ490 CODED '0000' OR MISSING), GO TO SXQ.260. IF SXQ.709 = 1 AND SXQ.700, SXQ.703, OR SXQ.706 = 1, THEN DISPLAY "The next set of questions is about all of your partners, males and females.", THEN GO TO BOX 7. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 7.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ845 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ845
English Instructions:
BOX 9 CHECK ITEM SXQ.845: IF SP HAD ORAL SEX PARTNER IN PAST 12 MONTHS (SXQ.627 OR SXQ.639 GREATER THAN '0000'), GO TO SXQ.645. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 9B.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ645 - Use protection when performing oral sex

Variable Name:
SXQ645
SAS Label:
Use protection when performing oral sex
English Text:
When you performed oral sex in the past 12 months, how often would you use protection, like a condom or dental dam?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select one of the following choices.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Never 1577 1577
2 Rarely 138 1715
3 Usually 80 1795
4 Always 153 1948
5 Unsure 35 1983
7 Refused 0 1983
9 Don't know 0 1983
. Missing 2813 4796

SXD871 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD871
English Instructions:
BOX 9B CHECK ITEM SXQ.871: IF SXD510, SXQ.841, OR SXQ.827 GREATER THAN '0000', GO TO SXQ.648. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 11.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ648 - Had sex with new partner/year

Variable Name:
SXQ648
SAS Label:
Had sex with new partner/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, did you have any kind of sex with a person that you never had sex with before?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 547 547
2 No 2178 2725
7 Refused 0 2725
9 Don't know 1 2726
. Missing 2070 4796

SXQ859 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ859
English Instructions:
BOX 10A CHECK ITEM SXQ.859: IF SXQ.800, SXQ.806, AND SXQ.809 NOT EQUAL TO '1', GO TO BOX 11. OTHERWISE, GO TO SXQ.610.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ610 - # times had vaginal or anal sex/year

Variable Name:
SXQ610
SAS Label:
# times had vaginal or anal sex/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had {vaginal or anal/vaginal/anal} sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select one of the following choices.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 Never 126 126
1 Once 126 252
2 2-11 times 680 932
3 12-51 times 846 1778
4 52-103 times 544 2322
5 104-364 times 337 2659
6 365 times or more 49 2708
77 Refused 8 2716
99 Don't know 4 2720
. Missing 2076 4796

SXD245 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD245
English Instructions:
BOX 10 CHECK ITEM SXD.245: IF SP DID NOT HAVE VAGINAL OR ANAL SEX (CODED '0') IN SXQ.610, GO TO BOX 11. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE WITH SXQ.251.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ251 - # times had sex without condom/year

Variable Name:
SXQ251
SAS Label:
# times had sex without condom/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, about how often have you had {vaginal or anal/vaginal/anal} sex without using a condom?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select one of the following choices.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Never 722 722
2 Less than half of the time 394 1116
3 About half of the time 164 1280
4 Not always, but more than half of the time 243 1523
5 Always 1063 2586
7 Refused 5 2591
9 Don't know 3 2594
. Missing 2202 4796

SXD856 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD856
English Instructions:
BOX 11 CHECK ITEM SXQ.856: IF SP 14-29 YEARS AND IF SP HAD PARTNER IN PAST 12 MONTHS (SXQ.627, SXQ.639, SXD510, SXQ.827, OR SXQ.841 GREATER THAN '0000'), GO TO SXQ590. OTHERWISE, GO TO SXQ.260.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ590 - # sex partners five years older/year

Variable Name:
SXQ590
SAS Label:
# sex partners five years older/year
English Text:
Of the persons you had any kind of sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years older than you?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 29 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 20 Range of Values 928 928
77777 Refused 0 928
99999 Don't know 1 929
. Missing 3867 4796

SXQ600 - # sex partners five years younger/year

Variable Name:
SXQ600
SAS Label:
# sex partners five years younger/year
English Text:
Of the persons you had any kind of sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years younger than you?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 29 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 15 Range of Values 928 928
77777 Refused 0 928
99999 Don't know 1 929
. Missing 3867 4796

SXD001 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD001
English Instructions:
IF SP IS MALE AND 18-59 YEARS OLD THEN GO TO SXQ260.
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS

SXD002 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD002
English Instructions:
IF SP IS FEMALE AND 14-59 YEARS OLD THEN GO TO SXQ753.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD101 - # male sex partners/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXD101
SAS Label:
# male sex partners/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had any kind of sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 600 Range of Values 1993 1993
2000 2000 or more 1 1994
77777 Refused 10 2004
99999 Don't know 2 2006
. Missing 2790 4796

SXD715 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD715
English Instructions:
BOX 2 CHECK ITEM SXQ.715: IF SP 60-69 YEARS, GO TO END OF SECTION. OTHERWISE, GO TO SXD450.
Target:
Females only 14 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD450 - # male sex partners/year

Variable Name:
SXD450
SAS Label:
# male sex partners/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had any kind of sex?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 50 Range of Values 1624 1624
77777 Refused 3 1627
99999 Don't know 0 1627
. Missing 3169 4796

SXQ721 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ721
English Instructions:
BOX 3 CHECK ITEM SXQ.721: IF SXQ.700 = 1, GO TO SXQ.724. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 4.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ724 - # male vaginal sex partners/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXQ724
SAS Label:
# male vaginal sex partners/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had vaginal sex? Vaginal sex means a man's penis in your vagina.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 500 Range of Values 1519 1519
77777 Refused 6 1525
99999 Don't know 2 1527
. Missing 3269 4796

SXQ727 - # male vaginal sex partners/year

Variable Name:
SXQ727
SAS Label:
# male vaginal sex partners/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had vaginal sex? Vaginal sex means a man's penis in your vagina.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 150 Range of Values 1523 1523
77777 Refused 4 1527
99999 Don't know 0 1527
. Missing 3269 4796

SXQ730 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ730
English Instructions:
BOX 4 CHECK ITEM SXQ.730: IF SXQ.703 = 1, GO TO SXQ.621. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 6.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD733 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD733
English Instructions:
BOX 6 CHECK ITEM SXQ.733: IF SXQ.709 = 1, GO TO SXQ130. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 7.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ130 - # female sex partners/lifetime

Variable Name:
SXQ130
SAS Label:
# female sex partners/lifetime
English Text:
In your lifetime with how many women have you had sex? By sex, we mean sexual contact with another woman's vagina or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 100 Range of Values 172 172
77777 Refused 0 172
99999 Don't know 0 172
. Missing 4624 4796

SXQ490 - # female sex partners/year

Variable Name:
SXQ490
SAS Label:
# female sex partners/year
English Text:
In the past 12 months, with how many women have you had sex? By sex, we mean sexual contact with another woman's vagina or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please enter a number or enter zero for none.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 10 Range of Values 172 172
77777 Refused 0 172
99999 Don't know 0 172
. Missing 4624 4796

SXQ741 - Ever performed oral sex on a woman

Variable Name:
SXQ741
SAS Label:
Ever performed oral sex on a woman
English Text:
Have you ever performed oral sex on a woman? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a woman's vagina or genitals.
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 133 133
2 No 39 172
7 Refused 0 172
9 Don't know 0 172
. Missing 4624 4796

SXQ768 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ768
English Instructions:
BOX 6B CHECK ITEM SXQ.768: IF SP HAD ONLY 1 LIFETIME ORAL SEX PARTNER (CODED '1') IN SXQ.636, GO TO BOX 7A. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ747 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ747
English Instructions:
BOX 7 CHECK ITEM SXQ.747: IF SP HAD ORAL SEX PARTNER IN PAST 12 MONTHS (SXQ.627 OR SXQ.639 GREATER THAN '0000'), THEN GO TO SXQ.645. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 7B.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD771 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD771
English Instructions:
BOX 7B CHECK ITEM SXQ.771: IF SXD450, SXQ.727, OR SXQ490 GREATER THAN '0000', GO TO SXQ.648. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 9.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ759 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ759
English Instructions:
BOX 8A CHECK ITEM SXQ.759: IF SXQ.700 OR SXQ.706 = 1, THEN CONTINUE. OTHERWISE, GO TO BOX 9,
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXD750 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXD750
English Instructions:
BOX 9 CHECK ITEM SXQ.750: IF SP 14-29 YEARS AND IF SP HAD PARTNER IN PAST 12 MONTHS (SXD450, SXQ.727, SXQ.627, SXQ.639, OR SXQ490 GREATER THAN '0000'), GO TO SXQ590. OTHERWISE CONTINUE.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ753 - Ever told by doctor, you had HPV

Variable Name:
SXQ753
SAS Label:
Ever told by doctor, you had HPV
English Text:
Has a doctor or other health care professional ever told you that you had human papillomavirus or HPV?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 137 137
2 No 1410 1547
7 Refused 1 1548
9 Don't know 1 1549
. Missing 3247 4796

SXQ260 - Doctor ever told you had genital herpes

Variable Name:
SXQ260
SAS Label:
Doctor ever told you had genital herpes
English Text:
Has a doctor or other health care professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 136 136
2 No 2988 3124
7 Refused 3 3127
9 Don't know 4 3131
. Missing 1665 4796

SXQ265 - Doctor ever told you had genital warts

Variable Name:
SXQ265
SAS Label:
Doctor ever told you had genital warts
English Text:
Has a doctor or other health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 130 130
2 No 2996 3126
7 Refused 2 3128
9 Don't know 3 3131
. Missing 1665 4796

SXQ270 - Doctor ever told you had gonorrhea

Variable Name:
SXQ270
SAS Label:
Doctor ever told you had gonorrhea
English Text:
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 15 15
2 No 3111 3126
7 Refused 2 3128
9 Don't know 3 3131
. Missing 1665 4796

SXQ272 - Doctor ever told you had chlamydia

Variable Name:
SXQ272
SAS Label:
Doctor ever told you had chlamydia
English Text:
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had chlamydia?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . .
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 47 47
2 No 3078 3125
7 Refused 2 3127
9 Don't know 4 3131
. Missing 1665 4796

SXQ280 - Are you circumcised or uncircumcised

Variable Name:
SXQ280
SAS Label:
Are you circumcised or uncircumcised
English Text:
Are you circumcised or uncircumcised?
English Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SP: Please select . . . CAPI INSTRUCTIONS: Display the sketches below each selection. Sketch should display by default. ACASI FIGURE SXQ1 - CLINICAL SKETCH OF CIRCUMCISED PENIS ACASI FIGURE SXQ2 - CLINICAL SKETCH OF UNCIRCUMCISED PENIS
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Circumcised 1136 1136
2 Uncircumcised 558 1694
7 Refused 3 1697
9 Don't know 5 1702
. Missing 3094 4796

SXQ292 - Describe sexual orientation (male)

Variable Name:
SXQ292
SAS Label:
Describe sexual orientation (male)
English Text:
Do you think of yourself as...
Target:
Males only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Heterosexual or straight (attracted to women) 1610 1610
2 Homosexual or gay (attracted to men) 37 1647
3 Bisexual (attracted to men and women) 21 1668
4 Something else 8 1676
5 Not sure 14 1690
7 Refused 5 1695
9 Don't know 7 1702
. Missing 3094 4796

SXQ756 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
SXQ756
English Instructions:
BOX 11 CHECK ITEM SXQ.756: IF SP 18-59 YEARS, GO TO SXQ.294. OTHERWISE, GO TO END OF SECTION.
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 69 YEARS

SXQ294 - Describe sexual orientation (female)

Variable Name:
SXQ294
SAS Label:
Describe sexual orientation (female)
English Text:
Do you think of yourself as...
Target:
Females only 18 YEARS - 59 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Heterosexual or straight (attracted to men) 1469 1469
2 Homosexual or lesbian (attracted to women) 23 1492
3 Bisexual (attracted to men and women) 66 1558
4 Something else 13 1571
5 Not sure 48 1619
7 Refused 8 1627
9 Don't know 5 1632
. Missing 3164 4796

Appendix 1. Sexual Behavior (SXQ) Data for Males in NHANES 2003-2012 Release Files


2003-2004
Variable name/Question
2005-2006
Variable name/Question
2007-2008†
Variable name/Question
2009-2012
Variable name/Question
Target age 14-59 years 14-59 years 14-69 years 14-69 years
Ever had any type of sex SXQ020
The next set of questions is about your sexual behavior. By sex, we mean vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Please remember that your answers are strictly confidential.
Have you ever had sex?
SXQ021
The next set of questions is about your sexual behavior. By sex, we mean vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Please remember that your answers are strictly confidential.
Have you ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXQ021
The next set of questions is about your sexual behavior. By sex, we mean vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Please remember that your answers are strictly confidential.
Have you ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXD021
Ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Derived from:
SXQ800
SXQ803
SXQ806
SXQ809
SXQ615¥
Not included Not included Not included SXQ800
Have you ever had vaginal sex, also called sexual intercourse, with a woman? This means your penis in a woman’s vagina.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ803
Have you ever performed oral sex on a woman? This means putting your mouth on a woman’s vagina or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ806
Have you ever had anal sex with a woman? Anal sex means contact between your penis and a woman’s anus or butt.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ809
Have you ever had any kind of sex with a man, including oral or anal?
Age of having sex for the first time SXD030
How old were you when you had sex for the first time?
SXD031
When you first had vaginal, anal, or oral sex, how old were you?
SXD031
When you first had vaginal, anal, or oral sex, how old were you?
SXD031€
How old were you the first time you had any kind of sex, including {vaginal, anal, or oral / vaginal or anal / vaginal or oral / anal or oral / vaginal / anal / oral}?
Life time female sex partner(s) SXQ170
In your lifetime, with how many women have you had sex?
SXD171
In your lifetime, with how many females have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXD171
In your lifetime, with how many females have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXD171
In your lifetime, with how many women have you had any kind of sex?
Not included SXQ400
With how many of these females have you had only oral sex?
SXQ400*
With how many of these females have you had only oral sex?
Not included
Not included Not included Not included SXQ824*
In your lifetime, with how many women have you had vaginal sex? Vaginal sex means your penis in a woman’s vagina.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ636*
In your lifetime, on how many women have you performed oral sex?
Female sex partner(s) in the last 12 months SXQ190
In the past 12 months, with how many women have you had sex?
SXQ510
In the past 12 months, with how many females have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXQ510*
In the past 12 months, with how many females have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXD510*
In the past 12 months, with how many women have you had any kind of sex?
Not included SXQ530
With how many of these females have you had only oral sex?
SXQ530*
With how many of these females have you had only oral sex?
Not included
Not included Not included Not included SXQ827*
In the past 12 months, with how many women have you had vaginal sex? Vaginal sex means your penis in a woman’s vagina.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ639*
In the past 12 months, on how many women have you performed oral sex?
Oral sex with female partner Not included Not included Not included SXQ633*
How old were you when you first performed oral sex on a woman? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a woman’s vagina or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ642*
How long has it been since the last time you performed oral sex on a new female partner? A new sexual partner is someone that you had never had sex with before.
Life time male sex partner(s) SXQ200
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had sex?
SXQ410
In your lifetime, with how many males have you had anal or oral sex?
SXQ410
In your lifetime, with how many males have you had anal or oral sex?
SXQ410
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had anal or oral sex?
Not included SXQ430
With how many of these males have you had only oral sex?
SXQ430
With how many of these males have you had only oral sex?
Not included
Not included Not included Not included SXQ836
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had anal sex?
Not included Not included Not included SXQ624
In your lifetime, on how many men have you performed oral sex?
Male sex partner(s) in the last 12 months SXQ220
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had sex?
SXQ550
In the past 12 months, with how many males have you had anal or oral sex?
SXQ550*
In the past 12 months, with how many males have you had anal or oral sex?
SXQ550*
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had anal or oral sex?
Not included SXQ570
With how many of these males have you had only oral sex?
SXQ570*
With how many of these males have you had only oral sex?
Not included
Not included Not included Not included SXQ841*
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had anal sex?
Not included Not included Not included SXQ627*
In the past 12 months, on how many men have you performed oral sex?
Oral sex with male partner Not included Not included Not included SXQ853
Have you ever performed oral sex on a man? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a man’s penis or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ621
How old were you when you first performed oral sex on a man? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a man’s penis or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ630*
How long has it been since the last time you performed oral sex on a new male partner? A new sexual partner is someone that you had never had sex with before.
Sex in the past 12 months SXQ241
In the past 30 days, with how many people have you had sex?
SXQ610
In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had vaginal or anal sex?
SXQ610*
In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had vaginal or anal sex?
SXQ610€*
In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had {vaginal or anal/vaginal/anal} sex?
Not included SXQ590
Of the persons you had sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years older than you?
SXQ590*
Of the persons you had sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years older than you?
SXQ590£
Of the persons you had any kind of sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years older than you?
Not included SXQ600
Of the persons you had sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years younger than you?
SXQ600*
Of the persons you had sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years younger than you?
SXQ600£
Of the persons you had any kind of sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years younger than you?
Not included Not included Not included SXQ648*
In the past 12 months, did you have any kind of sex with a person that you never had sex with before?
SXQ250
In the past 30 days, how many times have you had sex without using a condom?
SXQ251
In the past 12 months, about how often have you had vaginal or anal sex without using a condom?
SXQ251*
In the past 12 months, about how often have you had vaginal or anal sex without using a condom?
SXQ251€*
In the past 12 months, about how often have you had {vaginal or anal/vaginal/anal} sex without using a condom?
Not included Not included Not included SXQ645*
When you performed oral sex in the past 12 months, how often would you use protection, like a condom or dental dam?
History of sexually transmitted diseases SXQ260
Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
SXQ260
Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
SXQ260*
Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
SXQ260*Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
SXQ265
Has a doctor or health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
SXQ265
Has a doctor or health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
SXQ265*
Has a doctor or health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
SXQ265*
Has a doctor or health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
SXQ270
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
SXQ270
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
SXQ270*
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
SXQ270*
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
SXQ272
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had Chlamydia?
SXQ272
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had Chlamydia?
SXQ272*
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had Chlamydia?
SXQ272*
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had Chlamydia?
Circumcision status SXQ280
Are you circumcised or uncircumcised?
SXQ280
Are you circumcised or uncircumcised?
SXQ280*
Are you circumcised or uncircumcised?
SXQ280*
Are you circumcised or uncircumcised?
Sexual orientation SXQ292#
Do you think of yourself as…
SXQ292#
Do you think of yourself as…
SXQ292#
Do you think of yourself as…
SXQ292#
Do you think of yourself as…
Interview status Not included SXAISC
Interview status code
SXAISC
Interview status code
Not included

 

Questions were changed during data collection: “vaginal, anal, and oral” qualifiers were removed. See documentation accompanied 07-08 data file (available at: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/2007-2008/SXQ_E.htm) for more details.
¥ Target age: 14-17 year olds.
* Target age: 14-59 year olds.
£ Target age changed from 14-59 to 14-29 in 2009-2010.
Question was edited to include "fills". For example, depending on what types of sex respondents indicated having determines the fills in the question.
# Target age: 18-59 year olds.


Appendix 2. Sexual Behavior (SXQ) Data for Females in NHANES 2003-2012 Release Files

2003-2004
Variable name/Question
2005-2006
Variable name/Question
2007-2008†
Variable name/Question
2009-2012
Variable name/Question
Target age 14-59 years 14-59 years 14-69 years 14-69 years
Ever had any type of sex SXQ020
The next set of questions is about your sexual behavior. By sex, we mean vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Please remember that your answers are strictly confidential.
Have you ever had sex?
SXQ021
The next set of questions is about your sexual behavior. By sex, we mean vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Please remember that your answers are strictly confidential.
Have you ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXQ021
The next set of questions is about your sexual behavior. By sex, we mean vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Please remember that your answers are strictly confidential.
Have you ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXD021
Ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Derived from:
SXQ700
SXQ703
SXQ706
SXQ709
SXQ615¥
Not included Not included Not included SXQ700
Have you ever had vaginal sex, also called sexual intercourse, with a man? This means a man’s penis in your vagina.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ703
Have you ever performed oral sex on a man? This means putting your mouth on a man’s penis or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ706
Have you ever had anal sex? This means contact between a man’s penis and your anus or butt.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ709
Have you ever had any kind of sex with a woman? By sex, we mean sexual contact with another woman’s vagina or genitals.
Age of having sex for the first time SXD030
How old were you when you had sex for the first time?
SXD031
When you first had vaginal, anal, or oral sex, how old were you?
SXD031
When you first had vaginal, anal, or oral sex, how old were you?
SXD031€
How old were you the first time you had any kind of sex, including {vaginal, anal, or oral / vaginal or anal / vaginal or oral / anal or oral / vaginal / anal / oral}?
Life time male sex partner(s) SXQ100
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had sex?
SXQ101
In your lifetime, with how many males have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXQ101
In your lifetime, with how many males have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXD101
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had any kind of sex?
Not included SXQ350
With how many of these males have you had only oral sex?
SXQ350*
With how many of these males have you had only oral sex?
Not included
Not included Not included Not included SXQ724*
In your lifetime, with how many men have you had vaginal sex? Vaginal sex means a man’s penis in your vagina.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ624*
In your lifetime, on how many men have you performed oral sex?
Male sex partner(s) in the last 12 months SXQ120
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had sex?
SXQ450
In the past 12 months, with how many males have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXQ450*
In the past 12 months, with how many males have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
SXD450*
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had any kind of sex?
Not included SXQ470
With how many of these males have you had only oral sex?
SXQ470*
With how many of these males have you had only oral sex?
Not included
Not included Not included Not included SXQ727*
In the past 12 months, with how many men have you had vaginal sex? Vaginal sex means a man’s penis in your vagina.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ627*
In the past 12 months, on how many men have you performed oral sex?
Oral sex with male partner Not included Not included Not included SXQ621*
How old were you when you first performed oral sex on a man? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a man’s penis or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ630*
How long has it been since the last time you performed oral sex on a new male partner? A new sexual partner is someone that you had never had sex with before.
Life time female sex partner(s) SXQ130
In your lifetime, with how many women have you had sex?
SXQ130
In your lifetime, with how many women have you had sex?
In your lifetime, with how many women have you had sex? SXQ130*
In your lifetime with how many women have you had sex? By sex, we mean sexual contact with another woman’s vagina or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ636*
In your lifetime, on how many women have you performed oral sex?
Female sex partner(s) in the last 12 months SXQ150
In the past 12 months, with how many women have you had sex?
SXQ490
In the past 12 months, with how many females have you had sex?
SXQ490*
In the past 12 months, with how many females have you had sex?
SXQ490*
In the past 12 months, with how many women have you had sex? By sex, we mean sexual contact with another woman’s vagina or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ639*
In the past 12 months, on how many women have you performed oral sex?
Oral sex with female partner Not included Not included Not included SXQ741*
Have you ever performed oral sex on a woman? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a woman’s vagina or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ633*
How old were you when you first performed oral sex on a woman? Performing oral sex means your mouth on a woman’s vagina or genitals.
Not included Not included Not included SXQ642*
How long has it been since the last time you performed oral sex on a new female partner? A new sexual partner is someone that you had never had sex with before.
Sex in the past 12 months SXQ241
In the past 30 days, with how many people have you had sex?
SXQ610
In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had vaginal or anal sex?
SXQ610*
In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had vaginal or anal sex?
SXQ610€*
In the past 12 months, about how many times have you had {vaginal or anal/vaginal/anal} sex?
Not included SXQ590
Of the persons you had sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years older than you?
SXQ590*
Of the persons you had sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years older than you?
SXQ590£
Of the persons you had any kind of sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years older than you?
Not included SXQ600
Of the persons you had sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years younger than you?
SXQ600*
Of the persons you had sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years younger than you?
SXQ600£
Of the persons you had any kind of sex with in the past 12 months, how many were five or more years younger than you?
Not included Not included Not included SXQ648*
In the past 12 months, did you have any kind of sex with a person that you never had sex with before?
SXQ250
In the past 30 days, how many times have you had sex without using a condom?
SXQ251
In the past 12 months, about how often have you had vaginal or anal sex without using a condom?
SXQ251*
In the past 12 months, about how often have you had vaginal or anal sex without using a condom?
SXQ251€*
In the past 12 months, about how often have you had {vaginal or anal/vaginal/anal} sex without using a condom?
Not included Not included Not included SXQ645*
When you performed oral sex in the past 12 months, how often would you use protection, like a condom or dental dam?
History of sexually transmitted diseases SXQ260
Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
SXQ260
Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
SXQ260*
Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
SXQ260*
Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had genital herpes?
SXQ265
Has a doctor or health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
SXQ265
Has a doctor or health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
SXQ265*
Has a doctor or health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
SXQ265*
Has a doctor or health care professional ever told you that you had genital warts?
Not included Not included Not included SXQ753*
Has a doctor or other health care professional ever told you that you had human papillomavirus or HPV?
SXQ270
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
SXQ270
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
SXQ270*
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
SXQ270*
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had gonorrhea, sometimes called GC or clap?
SXQ272
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had Chlamydia?
SXQ272
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had Chlamydia?
SXQ272*
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had Chlamydia?
SXQ272*
In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care professional told you that you had Chlamydia?
Sexual orientation SXQ294#
Do you think of yourself as…
SXQ294#
Do you think of yourself as…
SXQ294#
Do you think of yourself as…
SXQ294#
Do you think of yourself as…
Interview status Not included SXAISC
Interview status code
SXAISC
Interview status code
Not included

 

Questions were changed during data collection: “vaginal, anal, and oral” qualifiers were removed. See documentation accompanied 07-08 data file (available at: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/2007-2008/SXQ_E.htm) for more details.
¥ Target age: 14-17 year olds.
* Target age: 14-59 year olds.
£ Target age changed from 14-59 to 14-29 in 2009-2010.
Question was edited to include "fills". For example, depending on what types of sex respondents indicated having determines the fills in the question.
# Target age: 18-59 year olds.