摘要
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the background characteristics, sexual behaviours and condom use among male attendees of a large STD clinic in Shanghai. The information collected is intended to inform health education programs.
Methods: From May 26, 1998 to December 22,1998, 2 266 male STD clients(1 517 currently married, 664 never-married, and 85 widower or divorced) were recruited at a large STD clinic in Shanghai. A structural questionnaire was administered by trained investigators to collect information on participants' socio-demographic background,sexual behaviours and condom use.
Results: Clients frequently engaged in higher risk sexual behaviours such as having multiple sexual partners and infrequently using condoms. Clients on average had two sexual partners in the 12 months before interview, and nearly one-third of clients had visited prostitutes in the 12 months before interview. After controlling for other factors, clients who were older and living in suburban areas were more likely to have visited prostitutes in the same period. Although over one-third of participants had ever used a condom, less than 1% had persisted in the condom use during the 12 months before interview. After controlling for other factors, younger clients and clients with more sexual partners in the last 12 months were slightly more likely to have used condoms than older clients. Clients with primary or less and senior middle educational level compared with those with college or more educational level, the latter have higher odds, whereas the former have lower odds of previous condom use. Being farmer is associated with a lower odds of having previously used condom, and being office worker is associated with a higher odds of previous condom use. Also after controlling for other factors, younger clients, clients being blue collar worker in commerce or service trades and office worker, widower or divorced clients and those having more sexual partners in the last 12 months have a higher odds of having used condoms in the last 12 months before interview. Overall, more than 70% of clients attributed their current infection to paid or casual sex. About 10% of currently married clients attributed their current infections to their wives, and nearly 60% of currently married clients had last sex with their wives.
Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need to improve STD education among STD clinic attendees. Educational efforts should focus on understanding the risks of unprotected sexual intercourse and on promotion of regular and correct use of condoms. Existing laws against prostitution should also be enforced. Women in China require the awareness to protect themselves against contacting STDs.关键词
性病/性行为/避孕套分类
医药卫生
