ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of premarital sex among Bedsit-living students in Hue City, Vietnam
1Clara Cooper, Rebecca Philips2 and Larry Williams3
1Faculty of Public Health, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
2Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
3Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Vietnam.
Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 10 January, 2019
Abstract
The study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of premarital sex and its associated factors among bedsit-living students. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hue city, Vietnam in 2015. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to recruit students. Data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire at participant’s room. A total of 730 students (men/women: 44.2%/55.8%, mean age: 20.9 years) were enrolled. Prevalence of premarital sex was 11.9% with an average age of first sexual intercourse at 19.8 ± 2.2 years. For premarital sex, 13.3% - 19.5% students did not have enough knowledge of reproductive health and safe sex, 34.1% agreed on different situations. Male students accepted premarital sex more than female students did (45.8% vs. 24.8%, p < .001, χ2). Gender, age group, marital status, knowledge of consequences of premarital sex and knowledge of STDs prevention were associated with attitude and practice of premarital sex (p < .05, χ2). The prevalence of premarital sex was comparable with recent domestic and regional data, yet implied an increased trend. Up to one-fifth of students were not equipped with enough knowledge of safe sex, therefore, reproductive and sexual health education for bedsit-living students should be reinforced.
Key words: premarital sex, knowledge, attitude, behavior, students.