Sexual Risk and Bridging Behaviors Among Young People in Hai Phong, Vietnam

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.

HIV Risk Behaviours and Determinants Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam

“…This study has suggested that those who reported multiple sex partners during the preceding years were less likely to use condoms consistently and more likely to engage in needle and syringe sharing behaviour. Several studies have reported sexual bridging behaviours between high risk groups and the general population (Duong et al 2008;Tran et al 2005;Tran et al 2006b). Our study suggested a high potential for HIV transmission from PLWHA to their sex partners through sexual mixing between groups.…”

Determinants of condom use at sexual debut among young Vietnamese

“…In the past, cultural influences have mitigated against premarital sex in young Vietnamese, but recently the prevalence of premarital sex in this cohort has been increasing (1,2). This places young individuals at increasing sexual and reproductive health risks.…”

“…This is partly because young people often have multiple partners (1). Moreover, many premarital sexual encounters involve HIV high-risk groups such as commercial sex workers (1).…”

Protecting, Balancing, and Confronting: Health-Seeking Among Homeless Youth in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

“…While the damaging health consequences of homelessness in Vietnam have been studied previously (Duong et al, 2008), the health-seeking behaviors of young people living on the streets and their barriers to accessing health care services have remained poorly understood. This study seeks to contribute a greater understanding of health and health-seeking behavior among homeless youth in HCMC through our description of "protecting, balancing, and confronting".…”