Increasing High-Risk Sexual Behavior among Adolescents in 10 Cities of China
- 1. Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
- 2. Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, China
- 3. Medical Psychological Institute, Central South University, 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.