Increasing High-Risk Sexual Behavior among Adolescents in 10 Cities of China - Abstract
This study was to describe the prevalence of risky sexual behavior and identify correlates in Chinese adolescents. An anonymous self-reported survey was administered to 10,445 high-school students. The prevalence of having ever had sexual intercourse was 13.3%. Among currently sexually active students (6.3%), 25.0% had used alcohol or drugs before the last sexual intercourse, and 45.4% reported contraceptive nonuse. Unstable parents’ marital status, low subjective socioeconomic status, low self-esteem, and impulsiveness were risk factors for risky sexual behaviors in adolescents. The prevalence of sexual behavior and associated risks are increasing among Chinese adolescents, indicating the necessity of providing sex education.