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Patterns of Risky Sexual Behaviors and Associated Factors among Youths and Adolescents in Vietnam

Author

Listed:
  • Ha Ngoc Do

    (Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Diep Ngoc Nguyen

    (Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
    Faculty of Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam)

  • Hoa Quynh Thi Nguyen

    (Department of Research on Youth Culture and Lifestyle, Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Anh Tuan Nguyen

    (Department of Research on Youth Culture and Lifestyle, Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Hiep Duy Nguyen

    (Department of Research on Children’s issues, Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Thanh Phuong Bui

    (Department of Research on Children’s issues, Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Thao Bich Thi Vu

    (Department of Research on Youth’s Organisations and Youth Campaign, Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Khiet Thanh Le

    (Department of Research on Youth’s Organisations and Youth Campaign, Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Dung Tuan Nguyen

    (Department of Research on Youth and Legal issues, Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Cuong Tat Nguyen

    (Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
    Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam)

  • Linh Gia Vu

    (Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam)

  • Giang Thu Vu

    (Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam)

  • Bach Xuan Tran

    (Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
    Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Carl A. Latkin

    (Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Roger C. M. Ho

    (Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
    Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
    Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam)

  • Cyrus S. H. Ho

    (Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore)

Abstract

Youths and adolescents are vulnerable to HIV/STIs from unprotected sex. Promotion of young population’s awareness about risky sexual behaviors is essential to develop contextualized interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five Vietnamese provinces to document current attitudes and practices regarding sexual behaviors among youths. The information on sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and sexual behaviors was collected via self-reported questionnaires. The factors associated with risky sexual behaviors were identified by the multivariate logistic regression. Among the 1200 participants, 73.5% reported having sex in their lifetime, and 48.1% used condoms at their latest sexual intercourse. Participants in urban areas were more likely not to intend to use condoms and had a higher unintended pregnancy rate than in rural areas. Older age was positively associated with not wanting to use and not using condoms. Substance-using participants were more likely to not use condoms. The participants taking alcohol or other stimulants before sex had a higher likelihood of unintended pregnancy. Respondents’ attitudes and practices regarding sexual behaviors were associated with gender and employment. This study indicated that young population’s awareness in Vietnam is high, however, risky sexual behaviors also remain common. Sex-related educational programs about the consequences of substance use, multiple sex partners, and unprotected sex should be developed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ha Ngoc Do & Diep Ngoc Nguyen & Hoa Quynh Thi Nguyen & Anh Tuan Nguyen & Hiep Duy Nguyen & Thanh Phuong Bui & Thao Bich Thi Vu & Khiet Thanh Le & Dung Tuan Nguyen & Cuong Tat Nguyen & Linh Gia Vu & Gi, 2020. "Patterns of Risky Sexual Behaviors and Associated Factors among Youths and Adolescents in Vietnam," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:6:p:1903-:d:332700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tuan Anh Le & Duyen T. T. Pham & Travis T. C. Quek & Giang Thu Vu & Chi Linh Hoang & Tung Thanh Tran & Cuong Tat Nguyen & Ninh Hai Thi Tran & Quan Hoang Vuong & Tung Hoang Tran & Bach Xuan Tran & Carl, 2019. "Polysubstance Use among Patients Enrolling in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program in a Vietnam Province with Drug-Driven HIV Epidemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-13, September.
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