Predictors of Sexual Behaviors Among Thai Young Adults

To identify correlates of sexual behaviors among Thai young adults between 18 and 24 years, the authors used a cross-sectional survey of 405 young adults from eight randomly selected Thai urban and rural vocational schools. The young adults completed self-report questionnaires. Logistic regressions were used to determine the correlates between a Thai young adult's ever having had sexual intercourse and the correlates of the number of sexual partners and consistent condom use among those who were sexually active. The independent variables were age, gender, socioeconomic status, geographic residence, parental residence, parental-young adult communication, HIV knowledge, and negotiation for safer sex. The results showed that geographic residence and negotiation for safer sex were related to a young adult's ever having had sexual intercourse; gender, HIV knowledge, and negotiation for safer sex were related to the number of sexual partners; and geographic residence was related to condom use. HIV prevention programs should incorporate HIV knowledge and negotiation skills for both genders and for all geographical areas.

Key words: HIV knowledge, negotiation for safer sex, sexual behaviors, Thai young adults