[Relationship between risk-taking behavior and knowledge for HIV infection among young men in Longchuan, Yunnan of China].
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between characteristics of risk-taking behavior and knowledge level of HIV infection/AIDS and risk perception of HIV infection among young men in an AIDS epidemic area.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was carried out among young men aged 18-29 years in 82 villages in Longchuan, Yunnan, China in 1994. Their demographic and behavioral information and knowledge level of AIDS were collected by interviewer administered anonymous questionnaire.


RESULTS
A total of 1,548 subjects were interviewed and 433 were drug abusers, including 192 intravenous users with 73% of them sharing syringes with others. Drug abusers were four times more likely to have pre-/extra-marital sex than non-users. More than half of the interviewees scored zero in HIV/AIDS knowledge.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors predisposing spread of HIV infection were common in the local young men. It is recommended that intervention be implemented as soon as possible to prevent HIV infection and AIDS.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016485:Needle Sharing; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires