Perceptions regarding preventive sexual practices and communication with sexual partners among Chinese college students

Purpose. To assess the relation between Chinese college studentsʹ perceptions and attitudes regarding preventive sexual behaviors, their sexual knowledge, and their use of protective sexual behaviors. Methods. A subsample of 133 sexually active college students (18–25 years old) was obtained to identify factors related to protective sexual behaviors (e.g., knowledge of partnerʹs sexual history, condom use). Results. Seventy-five percent of the sexually active students were male. Significantly more females had discussed AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) issues with their partners and had asked their partners about their sexual histories than males. Students endorsing the use of preventive behaviors were more likely to have discussed AIDS issues with their partners, used condoms, and known their partnerʹs sexual history. Conclusions. Student perceptions about preventive behaviors have a significant impact on their knowledge of their sexual partners and their own sexual behaviors. These findings, as well as the presence of significant gender differences in perceptions and communications with their partners, have major implications for risk reduction programs.