A STUDY OF SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR AMONG RURAL RESIDENTS OF CHINA

Objective: Although the recent spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually t ransmitted diseases (STDs) in China has been associated with sexual ac tivities, little information has been available about sexual behavior in rural areas with high HIV prevalence. Studies identifying high-risk sexual behaviors are needed to formulate effective prevention program s. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to measure sexual activities using a two-stage cluster sampling method. A two-part anony mous questionnaire was used. Sensitive questions related to sexual beh avior were administered using a tape recorder, earphones, and an answe r sheet which did not include the text. Results: In total, 1057 subjec ts were interviewed. Among 886 sexually active individuals, 7.8% had > 1 sexual partner, 22.8% had premarital sex, 2.4% had anal intercourse , 4.1% had oral intercourse, and 2.3% had both anal and oral intercour se. Less than 2% reported past or current sexually transmitted disease s. Overall, 10.4% used condoms, only 11.2% for every sexual act. Histo ry of premarital and extramarital sex was higher in younger people. Co nclusions: Sexual norms in rural China are changing rapidly and high-r isk sexual behavior among young rural residents is increasing. Strateg ies to prevent HIV/AIDS should include education to promote delayed on set of sexual activity, safer sexual behavior, and condom use.