Sexual Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among unmarried migrant female workers in China: a comparative analysis

Jie Tang,Jiaji Wang,Xiaohui Gao,Yukai Du,Yizhen Yu,Huiping Zhu,Niman Isse Ahmed

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-917

Abstract

BackgroundIn recent years, many studies have focused on adolescent's sex-related issues in China. However, there have been few studies of unmarried migrant females' sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, which is important for sexual health education and promotion.MethodsA sample of 5156 unmarried migrant female workers was selected from three manufacturing factories, two located in Shenzhen and one in Guangzhou, China. Demographic data, sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviors were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with premarital sexual intercourse.ResultsThe average age of the unmarried female workers included in the sample was 20.2 years, and majority of them showed a low level of sex-related knowledge. Females from the west of China demonstrated a significant lower level of sex-related knowledge than those from the eastern or central provinces (p < 0.05). Approximately 13% of participants held a favorable attitude towards premarital sexual intercourse, and youths from the east/central were more likely to have favorable attitudes compared with those from the west (p < 0.05). About 17.0% of the unmarried female workers reported having engaged in premarital sexual intercourse, and females from the east/central were more likely to have experienced premarital sexual intercourse than those from the west (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, education, current residential type, dating, sexual knowledge, attitudes, and pattern of communication were significantly associated with premarital sexual intercourse.ConclusionThe unmarried migrant female workers lack sexual knowledge and a substantial proportion of them are engaged in premarital sexual behaviors. Interventions aimed at improving their sexual knowledge and related skills are needed.

Highlights

IntroductionMany studies have focused on adolescent’s sex-related issues in China
In recent years, many studies have focused on adolescent’s sex-related issues in China
The results revealed that a majority of unmarried female workers in our study disapproved of premarital sex, and only 13.1% of subjects held a favorable attitude towards premarital sex, which is inconsistent with previous studies conducted in China [21,22]

Summary

Introduction

Many studies have focused on adolescent’s sex-related issues in China. There have been few studies of unmarried migrant females’ sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, which is important for sexual health education and promotion. Health risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking, weaponcarrying, and unprotected sexual intercourse contribute to the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and social problems among adolescents and youths [1]. Emerging evidence from rural and urban areas shows that premarital sex is no longer taboo [5], and that there is an increase in premarital sexual activity among adolescents and young people in China [6,7]. In China, it is reported that the total number of migrants had reached 0.15 million in 2005, and a large proportion of them were unmarried [9]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion