An exploratory study of online socialising and HIV-related high-risk sexual behavior among university students in Chengdu, People’ s Republic of China
Authors:   , Bo Qin 
Published: June 2024

Young students in China have emerged as a high-risk demographic for HIV infection. Recent research findings confirm that engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners remains the primary contributor to HIV transmission. However, in light of the ever-evolving landscape of network socialization and the deepening comprehension of HIV among young students, their attitudes and behaviors towards the virus have exhibited distinct characteristics. This study focuses on university and college students in Chengdu as the target population, aiming to comprehensively comprehend the present state and distinctive patterns of their sexual conduct, particularly high-risk sexual behavior. Moreover, it investigates the influence of their Online Socialising status on engaging in HIV high-risk sexual behavior and analyzes the underlying factors contributing to such risky behavior. The insights gained from this study will serve as a valuable reference for enhancing health education initiatives on HIV prevention within the realm of higher education institutions. First and foremost, this paper employs young students in Chengdu as a representative sample and employs questionnaire surveys to facilitate a descriptive statistical analysis encompassing four key aspects: respondents' personal information, internet usage and online friendships, knowledge pertaining to HIV, as well as attitudes and behaviors regarding HIV. Subsequently, this study endeavors to analyze the correlation between respondents' personal information and their HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Furthermore, it explores how respondents' personal information, along with their HIV-related knowledge and attitudes, collectively shape their HIV-related behaviors. In order to investigate the impact of online interactions on young students, this study conducted a detailed analysis of the influence of a willingness to engage in online sexual relationships on their sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using chi-square analysis. The findings underscore the need for strengthening respondents' HIV-related knowledge, as a lower level of HIV knowledge is associated with a heightened risk of HIV-related attitudes and behaviors. Notably, social networking platforms demonstrated a positive impact on respondents' HIV-related knowledge, while simultaneously exerting a negative influence on HIV-related attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, online social networking exhibited a positive association with sexually motivated behaviors. Collectively, these findings shed light on the intricate dynamics between online interactions and the sexual health of young students.

Hence, this paper concludes that there is a pressing need for stringent regulation of HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among young students, with a specific focus on key populations including sexual minorities. Comprehensive sex education programs should be implemented within families, communities, and educational institutions. In the era of information technology, the Internet media must assume a significant role, while the government should intervene, as necessary, to establish authoritative information platforms that bolster HIV prevention and treatment efforts.