HIV/AIDS knowledge, contraceptive knowledge, and condom use among unmarried youth in China

This study aims to describe HIV/AIDS knowledge, contraceptive knowledge, and their relationships to condom use among unmarried youth in China, especially the mediating effect of consciousness. The first nationally representative survey data on sexual and reproductive health of unmarried Chinese youth was used and analysis was carried out according to the AIDS Risk Reduction Model. Among the sexually active respondents, about 30% had not used a condom during their most recent intercourse. Levels of both types of knowledge were low. HIV/AIDS knowledge was not significantly associated with condom use, even through the mediation of HIV/AIDS consciousness. And, communication about contraception between sexual partners played a key role in the disconnection between HIV/AIDS consciousness and condom use. By contrast, contraceptive knowledge and consciousness exhibited a larger effect on condom use. In conclusion, to increase condom use among unmarried youth in China, interventions and policies should provide more information to help youth build a store of systematic HIV/AIDS knowledge and help them realize the personal vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Contraceptive knowledge and consciousness are also important factors to promote condom use. Besides, more of an effort should be made to improve youth's skill on communication and negotiation about condom use during sex. These conclusions are also useful to other countries with similar situation with China.