Knowledge of and attitudes toward sex among Chinese adolescents

This study was conducted to examine the knowledge of and attitudes toward sex of 178 Chinese secondary school students in Hong Kong. The data were collected using a questionnaire that comprised three parts: the Chinese version of the Mathtech Knowledge Test, the Chinese version of the Mathtech Attitude and Value Scale, and a demographic sheet seeking sociodemographic information. In general, students demonstrated a low level of sexual knowledge, especially in relation to adolescent marriage, the probability of pregnancy, and adolescent sexual activity. With regard to attitudes, students indicated positive attitudes toward importance of family and importance of birth control. Male students in comparison with their female counterparts had a higher level of agreement with premarital intercourse and the use of pressure and force in sexual activity. In Hong Kong, little is known about the sexual attitudes and behavior of Chinese adolescents. Most studies investigating Chinese young people’s knowledge and attitudes toward sex have been done on college students (Chan, 1990; Tang, Lai, & Chung, 1997). As Tompkins (1999) points out, nursing practice is effective when an exploration of the clients ’ beliefs pre-cedes nursing intervention. To provide appropriate and culturally sensi-tive education programs to Chinese adolescents, it is necessary to assess their knowledge of and attitudes toward sex. This study was, accordingly