Understanding sexual risk taking behaviour in Hong Kong university students. A health promotion perspective

BACKGROUND: Levels of sexual experience among Chinese university students are considerably lower than in western countries. Measuring sexual risk-taking behavior of Chinese students is important in designing any effective preventive health programs. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with high-risk sexual behavior among students in a Hong Kong university. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey conducted among year 1 and year 3 Chinese undergraduate students in 1997, using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 1197 students surveyed, only 11% were sexually active (ever had sexual intercourse). Reported sexual activity was higher among year 3 (17%) than year 1 (6.6%) students and higher among males (14.4%) than females (8.3%). Consistent (always) use of condoms was reported by only 43% of the sexually active respondents. Males were more likely to think that premarital sex was acceptable than were females. About 1 in 20 students (55 of 1197) were categorized as belonging to a "greater risk behavior" group, defined by inconsistent or nonuse of condoms during sexual intercourse and having had three or more sexual partners in the past 3 months, or having has sex with prostitutes or ever having a sexually transmitted disease, or using alcohol or other stimulating drugs during sexual intercourse. Males with favorable attitudes toward premarital sex were more likely to belong to the greater risk behavior group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the potential risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases among a substantial proportion of university students, suggesting the need for promotion of preventive education programs.