Sexual and Reproductive Health Behaviors of Asian Pacific Islander Community College Students

Abstract

Analyzed were the sexual and reproductive health behaviors of Asian Pacific Islander (API) California community college students who took the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey. This was done to identify characteristics related to sexual behavior and choice of birth control and examine the association between condom use and history of HIV testing. A total of 769 API heterosexual, male and female students between ages 18–24 were included in the analysis. Chi-square analyses were conducted to determine whether there was an association between condom use and history of HIV testing. API students reported few sexual partners (41% with no partner, and 49% with 1 or 2 partners), and preferred condoms (53.0%) for birth control over hormonal methods (29.3%). One-fifth of API students have used emergency contraception, and 21.7% have had an HIV test. API students had more conservative sexual practices and lower HIV testing practices than community college students in general. More culturally tailored education is needed on contraceptive options and to increase HIV testing behaviors among APIs.

Notes

*Sexually transmitted diseases included genital herpes, genital warts/HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease in last school year.

**Students responding “never did this sexual activity” were excluded from the analysis.

⁺Students responding to “not sexually active within the last school year” were excluded from the analysis.

Gender differences at ^a p < .05, ^b p < .01.