Sexual behaviors and safer sex practices among university students in Japan

Abstract

This study was undertaken to collect information on the HIV/AIDS risk behaviours of Japanese students. Using an original survey design with a structured questionnaire, we collected self-reported sexual behavior data related to HIV risk from more than 2,500 students per year at the university health center during 1993-1999. We examined levels of sexual experience, age at first intercourse, current sexual activity and condom use and tried to assess trends in HIV risk behaviors among the students. In the survey, more than one fifth of males and more than one third of females reported having steady partners. Overall, 20% of the first-year students and 60% of the fourth-year students in this survey were already sexually experienced. And both males and females had had their first intercourse at a younger age year by year, which leads to more life time partners. Approximately 50% of the students used condoms consistently. About 14% of males and 16% of females reported having had sex with a casual partner despite having had a steady partner. Our findings confirm and add to a evidence of risk behavior increase among Japanese youth. Effective educational programs are needed to reduce STD/HIV risk and improve the sexual health of students engaging in risky sexual behavior.