261001 HIV knowledge and sources of HIV/STI information among Chinese college students in the U.S

Monday, October 29, 2012

Wei-Chen Tung, PhD, RN , Nursing, University of Nevada at Reno, Reno, NV
Minggen Lu, PhD , School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
Daniel Cook, PhD , School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV
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.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge among Chinese college students studying in the U.S. 2. Identify sources of HIV/STI information among Chinese college students studying in the U.S. 3. List specific factors among the students associated with knowledge levels and types of sources of information.

Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, STD Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract Author on the content I am responsible for because I have been the principal investigator of multiple funded grants focusing on the HIV prevention among Chinese college student populations. Among my scientific interests has been the development of strategies for preventing HIV/STI in Chinese college student.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3293.0: PRSH Posters: STIs and HIV