STI prevention for young adults: Sex education and HIV knowledge among Chinese college students in the U.S

Background: Only 50% of college students in China receive school-based sex education. The absence of sex education may contribute to limited HIV/AIDS knowledge, which in turn increases HIV infection risk as Chinese students emigrate to the U.S. Chinese students are the largest foreign-student group on American campuses. Little is known about their sex education and their HIV/AIDS-related knowledge.

Purpose: To assess the status of school-based sex education exposure and the extent of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Chinese college students studying in the U.S.

Significance: Data from this study may provide the necessary information to design HIV/STI interventions for Chinese student populations.

Methodology: A correlational, cross-sectional design using an Internet survey was applied. A total of 133 Chinese students enrolled in three U.S. universities were included.

Results: Only 57% have ever received sex education classes in schools. About 14% to 23% were unaware of HIV spread by infected semen and of the protective effects of condom use against HIV, and 41% believed that HIV could be contracted through mosquito bites. The major sources of HIV/STI information were the mass media (Internet = 90.2%).

Conclusions: Chinese students receive limited formal sex education and have limited HIV/AIDS knowledge. HIV prevention programs might start with the campus orientation for international students. The present study identified that the Internet plays important roles in HIV/STI prevention. University and department websites should include HIV/STI prevention information and available resources. Using bilingual and bicultural academic advisors, and collaborating with healthcare professionals, may facilitate more culturally appropriate sex education.