Social Determinants of High-Risk Sexual Behaviors among Unmarried Youth in China

Chao Guo, Peking University
Lihua Pang, Peking University
Lei Zhang, Peking University
Xiaoying Zheng, Peking University

Objectives: To explore the status and social determinants of high-risk sexual behaviors among unmarried youth in China. Methods: This study used data from 2009 Survey of Youth Access to Reproductive Health in China. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis were used to describe the percentage, compare the different characteristics and analyze impact factors of high-risk sexual behaviors. Results: Among Chinese unmarried youth with sexual experience, the prevalence rate of high-risk sexual behaviors was 78.5% (95% CI: 78.1-79.0). Significantly more high-risk sexual behaviors was observed among males, younger age groups, any sex web/erotic book/audio visual products browsing, migrants, partying with friends/classmates four times per month or more, less educated, living with parents, with less educated mothers, not access to condom, urban dwellers, and non-religious persons. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the need to integrate social determinants and HIV prevention efforts in China and elsewhere.