Needs assessment for STD/HIV prevention among patients with sexually transmitted diseases in southern China.

BACKGROUND AND GOAL

Patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) serve as a bridge population to transmit HIV from higher-risk to lower-risk populations. Our goal was to understand the level of risk behaviors and HIV/STD-related knowledge as well as attitudes among STD patients in China.

STUDY DESIGN

An anonymous questionnaire was self-administered by 619 STD patients in Guangzhou, China.

RESULTS

About 70% of the males and 18% of the females had had sex with nonregular sex partners in the previous 6 months; the prevalence of consistent condom use was very low (20% for males and 10% for females). Only 20% to 30% of the respondents stated that they would not practice unprotected sex with nonregular sex partners before their STD was cured. Misconceptions about STD/HIV are very common. STD/HIV-related knowledge, perceived susceptibility of contracting HIV, and perceived efficacy of condom use for HIV/AIDS prevention were significantly associated with anticipated or actual risk behaviors during the infectious period.

CONCLUSION

Intervention programs are in urgent need to break the cycle of STD infection in China. These would include promotion of relevant knowledge, condom use, and public education.