title: HIV knowledge and condom intention among sexually abstinent Chinese students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To (a) assess the HIV/AIDS knowledge and sources of HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) information among sexually abstinent college students in China; (b) examine whether constructs from the transtheoretical model (TTM) are applicable to this study population regarding condom use intention; and (c) evaluate the association between genders and TTM constructs, and HIV/AIDS knowledge.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Chinese college students are vulnerable to HIV and other STIs. Strategies targeting abstinent students are more cost-effective than providing treatment for diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  We surveyed 390 students enrolled in two universities in China. Data were collected from June 2009 to March 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 11% and 24% were aware of HIV spread by infected semen and of the protective effects of condom use against HIV. The mass media were major sources of HIV/STI information. Individuals who had higher levels of self-efficacy and reported more perceived benefits and fewer perceived barriers were more likely to be in TTM contemplation stage of condom use than those in precontemplation. Females were less likely to discuss HIV/STIs through online chat or email with strangers than males. Individuals who had higher levels of self-efficacy and reported more perceived benefits and fewer perceived barriers were more likely to be in TTM contemplation stage of condom use than those in precontemplation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexually abstinent college students in China may be more likely to transition from precontemplation to contemplation if they know the benefits of condom use for the prevention of HIV/STIs and if they learn to successfully minimize potential barriers related to condom use.
authors: Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, USA. wctung@hotmail.com
authors: W-C
authors: WC
authors: Tung
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Hu
authors: J T
authors: JT
authors: Efird
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Su
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Yu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D017280:Condoms; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D033182:Intention; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D021841:Safe Sex; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: China; College Students; Condom Use Intention; HIV/AIDS Knowledge; Nursing; Perceived Barrier; Perceived Benefit; Self-Efficacy; Sexual Abstinence; Transtheoretical Model