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Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours among Undergraduate Students in China—Implications for Sex Education

Author

Listed:
  • Jinping Lyu

    (Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Xiaoyun Shen

    (Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Therese Hesketh

    (Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
    The Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK)

Abstract

Background: Despite rapid modernization and improving gender equity in China in recent decades, traditional values prevail in many areas of life, including sexual behavior. This study aimed to explore gender differences in sexual knowledge, sexual attitudes and sexual behaviors, as well as preferences for sex education among undergraduates in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 5965 undergraduates (62.8% females), aged 15 to 24 years from nine universities in Zhejiang, Henan and Yunnan provinces, from September to November 2019. Results: Of the total sample, 158 (2.6%) self-identified as homosexual, 287 (4.8%) as bisexual and 324 (5.4%) stated they were unclear about their sexual identity. The mean sexual knowledge score out of 12 was 6.16 ± 2.54 points. Ever having sexual intercourse was reported by 18.7% (27.0% males, and 13.9% females). Students from urban backgrounds, and those with homosexual and bisexual orientation were more likely to have had sexual intercourse. Most students (72.5%) reported that they would prefer to receive sex education from on-line sources. Conclusions: Female students are significantly more conservative in sexual attitudes and sexual behaviors. Low levels of sexual knowledge contribute to risk behaviors among Chinese adolescents. China needs to develop and widely disseminate on-line sex education, with practical, age-appropriate content.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinping Lyu & Xiaoyun Shen & Therese Hesketh, 2020. "Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours among Undergraduate Students in China—Implications for Sex Education," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6716-:d:413830
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. William L. Parish & Edward O. Laumann & Sanyu A. Mojola, 2007. "Sexual Behavior in China: Trends and Comparisons," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 33(4), pages 729-756, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zbigniew Izdebski & Joanna Dec-Pietrowska & Alicja Kozakiewicz & Joanna Mazur, 2022. "What One Gets Is Not Always What One Wants—Young Adults’ Perception of Sexuality Education in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Marianne Cense & Steven de Grauw & Manouk Vermeulen, 2020. "‘Sex Is Not Just about Ovaries.’ Youth Participatory Research on Sexuality Education in The Netherlands," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-15, November.

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