Narrowing sexual behavioural differences between Chinese and non-Chinese populations in Hong Kong: Implications for sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission

Abstract

Information on sexual networking between different ethnic groups, in particular between Chinese and non-Chinese, is scarce. This study compared patterns of sexual behaviour and determinants of unsafe sexual behaviours amongst the Chinese and non-Chinese residents of Hong Kong. Of the 2,060 respondents (2060/4157; 50% response rate), 73% identified themselves as being ethnic Chinese. Overall, having a non-regular partner was more common amongst the non-Chinese (36%) than the Chinese (17%) respondents. Chinese people who were at increased risk of having had sex with a non-regular partner included social hygiene clinic attendees and airport travellers, males and ever smokers. For non-Chinese this was inconsistent condom use and being aged 18–45. Predictors of inconsistent condom use for Chinese included being aged 18–45, never having been married, and having had sex with non-regular partners; for non-Chinese the predictors were being aged 18–45, having had sex with non-regular partners and being unafraid of AIDS. We conclude that there are similarities and differences in sexual risk-taking behaviours between Chinese and non-Chinese residents in Hong Kong. To maximize potential public health benefits, behavioural interventions should be designed to address the different risk profiles of Chinese and non-Chinese populations separately.

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Dr. CM Wong (Department of Community Medicine, The University of Hong Kong) for his helpful comments in the statistical analysis and to Ms Yam Ho Kwan for her assistance with the preparation of the manuscript.