HIV knowledge and behavior among Chinese college students: A survey in China and USA

Background: The prevalence of misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention is alarming among Chinese college students in China and USA. This cross-national comparison study may reveal important contextual factors associated with knowledge and behaviors.

Purposes: (a) to compare HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, sexual behaviors, and sources of HIV/STI information; and (b) to investigate the association between sources of HIV/STI information and HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, sexual behaviors among Chinese college students in China and USA. Significance: Better understanding of student-environment interactions may be used to improve targeted prevention and interventions.

Methodology: Comparative, correlational analysis of survey data from 608 students in two countries was used.

Results: Chinese students in the USA scored higher on knowledge questions than those in China, p = 0.035. More Chinese students in the USA (57.9%) reported ever having had sex, compared to 17.8% of students in China (p < .0001). More students in the USA received HIV/STI information from the Internet (OR = 2.67, p = 0.002) and family members (OR = 2.35, p = 0.025) than students in China. Traditional media and schoolteachers showed significant association with participants' HIV-related knowledge, age at first intercourse, and number of sexual partners in both samples. Conclusions: The survey revealed incomplete knowledge within both groups. Prevention programs should focus on risky misconceptions and could teach about improved Internet searching.

Usefulness for Supporting/Strengthening School Health: Schools with young adult students would benefit greatly from sexually-transmitted disease control. Current strategies may not fully incorporate all the relevant health practices and learning modalities.