Needs Assessment for STD/HIV Prevention Among Patients with Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Southern China

BACKGROUND AND GOAL: Patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) serve as a bridge population to transmit HIV from higher-risk to lower-risk populations. Our goal was to understand the level of risk behaviors and HIV/STD-related knowledge as well as attitudes among STD patients in China. STUDY DESIGN: An anonymous questionnaire was self-administered by 619 STD patients in Guangzhou, China. RESULTS: About 70% of the males and 18% of the females had had sex with nonregular sex partners in the previous 6 months; the prevalence of consistent condom use was very low (20% for males and 10% for females). Only 20% to 30% of the respondents stated that they would not practice unprotected sex with nonregular sex partners before their STD was cured. Misconceptions about STD/HIV are very common. STD/HIV-related knowledge, perceived susceptibility of contracting HIV, and perceived efficacy of condom use for HIV/AIDS prevention were significantly associated with anticipated or actual risk behaviors during the infectious period. CONCLUSION: Intervention programs are in urgent need to break the cycle of STD infection in China. These would include promotion of relevant knowledge, condom use, and public education.