HIV knowledge and sources of HIV/STI information among Chinese college students in the U.S

Background: Chinese students comprise nearly one-fourth of all international students in the U.S. Little is known about their HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and where they access STI information.

Purpose: (a) to assess knowledge about HIV/AIDS and sources of HIV/STI information among Chinese college students living in the U.S., and (b) to explore specific factors among the students associated with knowledge levels and types of sources of information.

Significance: The data specific to Chinese students may be used to develop more culturally appropriate HIV/STI prevention programs.

Methodology: A descriptive correlational, cross-sectional design using an Internet survey was used. We investigated 133 Chinese students enrolled in three U.S. universities.

Results: About 41% believed that HIV could be contracted through mosquito bites, and 23% were unaware that condoms could prevent HIV. The major sources of HIV/STI information were the mass media (Internet 90.2%, television 52.6%). Males were more likely to demonstrate a higher HIV/AIDS knowledge level than females. Graduate students were more likely to cite television as a source of information, and less likely to mention school teachers, than were undergraduate students.

Conclusions: The level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among these participants was moderate. The role of the Internet in HIV prevention should be recognized. Information from trained professionals, such as found at student health clinics or in primary care clinics, or from public health programs, would be preferable to Internet searches for communicating accurate information. School websites should include information about how to prevent HIV/STI and available resources to enhance knowledge.