Female international students and sexual health: A qualitative study into knowledge, beliefs and attitudes

Background: International students make up an increasing proportion of university students in Australia. Research suggests that they have poor sexual health knowledge compared with local students. Methods: Thematic analysis was undertaken on focus groups carried out at the University of Adelaide (South Australia), with 21 female international students from Malaysia and China. Results: Four themes were identified: poor sexual health knowledge; complex attitudes about premarital sex; difficulty accessing sexual health information, and poor understanding the role of general practitioners in this area; and ideas about future education. Discussion: Participants believed that international students have insufficient sexual health education when they arrive in Australia. They were concerned that some students may become more sexually active in Australia, and may not have adequate access to health services and information. All participants felt it was necessary for international students to receive better sexual health education. International students are important to Australian universities, and it should be mandatory to ensure that culturally appropriate sex education is made available to this group.Adrienne Burchard, Caroline Laurence, Nigel Stock