A Survey of Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, Desire and Behavior among University Students
Abstract
Sexual health (SH) and sexual behavior of young people have become a growing public concern. But few studies have been conducted to investigate the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of this phenomenon.
Purpose: To understand college students’ sexual knowledge (SK), sexual attitudes (SA), sexual desire (SD) and sexual behavior (SB).
Methods: A self-reported questionnaire survey on SK, SA, SD, and SB was conducted among 520 university students. Their demographic data, SK, SA, SD, and SB were assessed.
Results: A total of 500 students completed the questionnaire. The SKS total score had a mean of 23.05; 105 (21.0%) subjects had had premarital sex; 121 (24.2%) had a partner; 117 (23.4%) had a medical educational background. The results demonstrated an increased risk of premarital sex amongst males and subjects with the risk factors of smoking, drinking, having a partner, and having higher levels of SD and SK and more open SA.
Conclusions: This study provides support for the idea that university students lack SK (especially regarding contraception knowledge), even though the students had a medical educational background. Additionally, a considerable amount of them engaged in premarital SB. Our findings also suggest that university students need sex education, particularly in combining sexuality with their life, in relating to others maturely as a sexual individual, in employing contraception, and in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Our study suggests that interventions aimed at expanding university students’ SK and other related skills are required.
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Introduction
Problems resulting from sexual activity, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), unwanted pregnancies, have been increasing among young people. Jones data reports that men who pay for sex in Britain remain at greater risk of STI acquisition and onward transmission than men who do not. They also point out high numbers of partners, but the minority is paid partners. They are an important core group in sexually transmitted infection transmission.1
Conclusion
This study examined SK, SA and SB among university students in Taiwan. The results show that the university students lacked SK (especially regarding contraception knowledge), even though they had a medical educational background and a considerable percentage of them were engaged in premarital SB. There is also a cultural taboo against sex education and education about the use of contraception among adolescents and youth, resulting in a limited availability of such information for them. The majority of university students gain SK mainly through school education peer groups and mass media, but their knowledge is inadequate. Without correct SK, unprotected SB is more likely to set off the increase of HIV infection, to increased baby abortions, unwelcome childbearing, or early and unnecessary marriage. Therefore, various interventions that aim to improving SK and related skills are required. Our findings may provide some important information for education and promotion of sexual health.