Total lifetime partner generally refers to the number of different individuals with whom a person has had sexual relations during their entire life.
This definition is often used in surveys and research related to sexual behavior, public health, and epidemiology. It's a metric used to understand patterns of sexual activity and associated risks. The specific context of a survey or study may define "sexual relations" more precisely, often including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Here's a breakdown:
- "Total": Encompasses all instances throughout a person's life.
- "Lifetime": From the beginning of sexual activity to the present time.
- "Partner": Each distinct individual involved.
It is important to note that in some surveys or studies, the definition of "sexual partner" is limited to partners of the opposite sex. As indicated in the reference text, "Sexually experienced in ACASI means respondent has had vaginal, oral, or anal sex with a partner of the opposite sex." This means the definition can vary based on the specific context.
Therefore, "total lifetime partner" is a quantitative measure of the number of people with whom someone has engaged in sexual activity throughout their life.
