Abstract
The risk of the HIV epidemic spreading from high-risk groups to the general population in Vietnam depends on sexual risk and bridging behaviors between high- and low-risk individuals. A cross-sectional study was used to describe sexual activities of youth aged 18–29 years. Nearly half (41.4%) were sexually active. Premarital sex was reported by 43.3% of them; 78.3% of sexually active males and 13.5% of sexually active females. Multiple sex partners were reported by 31.0%; 56.7% of males and 9.2% of females. Almost 27% of males and 5% of females engaged in sexual bridging behaviors. Being unmarried was significantly associated with having sex with non-regular partners. Being unmarried and early age at first intercourse were associated with having sex with a sex worker. Consistent condom use was high with commercial sex workers but low with regular partners. Education to delay early sexual debut, increased employment, and strategies to inform young sexually active people to adopt safer behaviors are urgently needed.
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Acknowledgments
This study was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health/Fogarty International Center (D43 TW00013). We are especially indebted to Drs Eric L. Hurwitz and Pamina Gorbach, who carefully reviewed the study proposal, made numerous helpful suggestions, and provided relevant literature. We are very grateful to the staff of the Hai Phong Health Service, to professors and students of the Hai Phong School of Medical for their contributions to the conduct of the study, to Dr Nguyen Cuong Quoc for kind peer review, and to Wendy Aft for assisting in preparation of this manuscript.
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Duong, C.T., Nguyen, T.H., Hoang, T.T.H. et al. Sexual Risk and Bridging Behaviors Among Young People in Hai Phong, Vietnam. AIDS Behav 12, 643–651 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9265-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9265-0