Sexual risk behaviours among factory workers in Shenzhen, China: a cross-sectional study

Background. Factory workers are a key population for HIV transmission in China, as they often engage in sexual risk behaviours. This study aims to evaluate sexual risk behaviours and associated factors among factory workers in Shenzhen, China. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted by using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. Full-time workers aged =18 years were eligible to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were applied to assess factors associated with sexual risk behaviours. Results. A total of 2029 factory workers were included. Mean age was 37.2 (+/- 4.4) years; 48.5% were men. Two-thirds (64.9%) had had vaginal intercourse. Their sexual risk behaviours included condomless sex with casual partners in the last sex episode (23.6%), multiple sex partners (11.5%) and engaging in commercial sex (8.4%), in the past year. Having HIV/AIDS knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24- 0.70) and using a condom at sexual debut (AOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.05-0.13) were factors associated with condomless sex with casual partners in the last sex episode. Males (AOR 3.03, 95% CI 1.96-4.69 and AOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.33-3.60), local workers (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.01-4.42 and AOR 3.42, 95% CI 1.63-7.21), being single (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.39-3.01 and AOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.61-3.87), having sexual debut aged <18 years (AOR 5.98, 95% CI 3.28-10.89 and AOR 3.34, 95% CI 1.74-6.39), and substance use (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.38-2.93 and AOR 4.43, 95% CI 2.85-6.87) were associated with both having multiple sex partners and engaging in commercial sex in the past year. Conclusions. Sexual risk behaviours were prevalent despite most participants having basic HIV/AIDS knowledge. Future workplace-based prevention programs should target factory workers and there should be a focus on enhanced sexual education to reduce HIV transmission in China.