Sexual risk and bridging behaviors among young people in Hai Phong, Vietnam.
The risk of the HIV epidemic spreading from high-risk groups to the general population in Vietnam depends on sexual risk and bridging behaviors between high- and low-risk individuals. A cross-sectional study was used to describe sexual activities of youth aged 18-29 years. Nearly half (41.4%) were sexually active. Premarital sex was reported by 43.3% of them; 78.3% of sexually active males and 13.5% of sexually active females. Multiple sex partners were reported by 31.0%; 56.7% of males and 9.2% of females. Almost 27% of males and 5% of females engaged in sexual bridging behaviors. Being unmarried was significantly associated with having sex with non-regular partners. Being unmarried and early age at first intercourse were associated with having sex with a sex worker. Consistent condom use was high with commercial sex workers but low with regular partners. Education to delay early sexual debut, increased employment, and strategies to inform young sexually active people to adopt safer behaviors are urgently needed.
Duong
Cong Thanh
CT
National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, No. 1, Yersin Street, Ha Noi 10000, Vietnam.
Nguyen
Tran Hien
TH
Hoang
Thi Thanh Ha
TT
Nguyen
Van Vi
VV
Do
Thi Minh Nguyet
TM
Pham
Van Han
VH
Detels
Roger
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*; D014744:Vietnam / Q000453:epidemiology