Assessment of HIV-related sexual risk behaviors among the general female population in Hong Kong

This study examined sexual practices among the female population in Hong Kong. A total of 2,076 women between 18 and 50 years were interviewed by using a computerized telephone survey method. Sexually active women (59.3%) were classified into the "Husband Only Group" (HOG, n = 1,005), the "Steady Boyfriend Only Group" (SBG, n = 192), and the "Higher Risk Group" (HRG, n = 35). Over 60% of the HRG members did not perceive condom use as an efficacious means for HIV/AIDS prevention. Within the HOG and SBG, 30.0% and 41.1% reported that they always used condoms (25.7% in the HRG). Condom use was often suggested by both men and women of the SBG, but was often initiated by the women only in the HRG. "Trust" and "lack of necessity" were common reasons for not using condoms. About 85% of the respondents would ask their partners to use condoms if they suspected their partners having engaged in commercial sex; however, only 75% would have the final control. The HRG members seemed to be less able to insist on using condoms (55.6%, OR = 0.41, p <.05) and were more likely than the HOG to perceive some chance of contracting HIV (OR D 10.88, p <.01). The prevalence of high risk behaviors among women in Hong Kong was not high; however, those at risk were often inconsistent condom users and they had weak control over condom use. Women in Hong Kong had low awareness of HIV-related risk.