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Characteristics and Associations between Sexting and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors among College Students in Jiangxi Province, China

Duoqin Huang , Xin Wan, Hong Wang, Jiangqing Chen, Yanan Zheng, Li Li, Xi Gong

Abstract

Abstract Background. To explore the characteristics, influencing factors, and associations between romantic and high-risk sexual behaviors among college students in Jiangxi Province, China, providing a basis for promoting sexual health education and preventing high-risk sexual behaviors among college students. Methods. A convenient sampling method was used to conduct an anonymous survey on 13,976 students from 15 universities in Jiangxi Province from November to December 2023. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the influencing factors and associations between romantic and high-risk sexual behaviors. Results. The reported rates of romantic and high-risk sexual behaviors among college students were 12.7% and 11.0%, respectively. Regression results indicated that the influencing factors for both behaviors included gender, grade, major, sexual orientation, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and family upbringing methods (P values all <0.05). College students with experiences of romantic relationships were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors (OR=16.260, 95% CI: 14.032–18.842), including unprotected sex (OR=8.140, 95% CI: 6.994–9.472), multiple sexual partners (OR=8.215, 95% CI: 6.394–10.554), casual sex (OR=17.104, 95% CI: 13.302–21.994), and commercial sex (OR=40.910, 95% CI: 26.660–62.776), and were also less likely to intend to use condoms in the future (OR=1.391, 95% CI: 1.171–1.652). Conclusion. The prevalence of romantic and high-risk sexual behaviors among college students in Jiangxi Province should not be overlooked, and those with romantic experiences are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Educators should enhance sexual health education and safety control of sexual behaviors among college students.

SH24180  Accepted 15 January 2025

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