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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Research

Factors associated with voluntary HIV counseling and testing among young students engaging in casual sexual activity: a cross-sectional study from Eastern China

Authors: Zhongrong Yang, Wanjun Chen, Weiyong Chen, Qiaoqin Ma, Hui Wang, Tingting Jiang, Meihua Jin, Xin Zhou

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the factors associated with voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) among young students engaging in casual sexual activity and to establish a scientific rationale for developing targeted intervention strategies for preventing HIV/AIDS in this population.

Methods

Stratified cluster sampling was used to conduct a survey using questionnaires to collect demographic and behavioral information for statistical analysis.

Results

Data from 611 young students, who reported engaging in casual sexual activity, were included in the statistical analysis. Among these, 68 (11.13%) students underwent the VCT. Among young students who engaged in casual sexual activity, those who were non-Zhejiang residents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.11; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.17–3.80), those who had received AIDS-themed lectures or health education courses from the school in the past year (aOR = 3.96, 95% CI = 1.49–10.50), those who had received HIV risk self-assessment conducted by the school in the past year (aOR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.17–4.59), and those who had engaged in commercial sex activity in the past year (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.07–3.66) were more inclined to have undergone VCT. Male students (aOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.18–0.77) and those who used condoms consistently during casual sexual activity (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.21–0.97) were less likely to undergo VCT.

Conclusion

Casual sexual activity was relatively prevalent among young students, posing a potential risk for HIV transmission. These findings will be instrumental in the development more effective HIV prevention and control strategies for young students. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of promoting and popularizing VCT among young students without Zhejiang province residency, who are involved in commercial sexual activity, and/or those who lacking HIV education. Moreover, additional research and implementation of refined HIV behavioral interventions specifically tailored to young students are necessary to enhance their awareness and knowledge of HIV prevention.
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Metadata
Title
Factors associated with voluntary HIV counseling and testing among young students engaging in casual sexual activity: a cross-sectional study from Eastern China
Authors
Zhongrong Yang
Wanjun Chen
Weiyong Chen
Qiaoqin Ma
Hui Wang
Tingting Jiang
Meihua Jin
Xin Zhou
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18562-2

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