Narrowing sexual behavioural differences between Chinese and non-Chinese populations in Hong Kong: implications for sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission

AIDS Care. 2006 Jan;18(1):27-34. doi: 10.1080/09540120500101914.

Abstract

Information on sexual networking between different ethnic groups, in particular between Chinese and non-Chinese, is scarce. This study compared patterns of sexual behaviour and determinants of unsafe sexual behaviours amongst the Chinese and non-Chinese residents of Hong Kong. Of the 2,060 respondents (2060/4157; 50% response rate), 73% identified themselves as being ethnic Chinese. Overall, having a non-regular partner was more common amongst the non-Chinese (36%) than the Chinese (17%) respondents. Chinese people who were at increased risk of having had sex with a non-regular partner included social hygiene clinic attendees and airport travellers, males and ever smokers. For non-Chinese this was inconsistent condom use and being aged 18-45. Predictors of inconsistent condom use for Chinese included being aged 18-45, never having been married, and having had sex with non-regular partners; for non-Chinese the predictors were being aged 18-45, having had sex with non-regular partners and being unafraid of AIDS. We conclude that there are similarities and differences in sexual risk-taking behaviours between Chinese and non-Chinese residents in Hong Kong. To maximize potential public health benefits, behavioural interventions should be designed to address the different risk profiles of Chinese and non-Chinese populations separately.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology
  • China / ethnology
  • Communicable Diseases / ethnology
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / ethnology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / transmission
  • Unsafe Sex / ethnology