title: Sexual risk and bridging behaviors among young people in Hai Phong, Vietnam.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, No. 1, Yersin Street, Ha Noi 10000, Vietnam.
authors.forename: Cong Thanh
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Duong
authors.forename: Tran Hien
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Thi Thanh Ha
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Hoang
authors.forename: Van Vi
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Thi Minh Nguyet
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Do
authors.forename: Van Han
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Pham
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Detels
mesh_terms: 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