Alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors and outcomes in China: a literature review

Abstract

This review systematically examines the empirical evidence regarding the association between alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors and outcomes among the Chinese population in mainland, China. Articles published in English (n = 11) and in Chinese (n = 7) from 1980 to 2008 documented consistent associations between alcohol use and several sexual risk behaviors, sexual coercion, sexual violence, and HIV/STIs across both the general population and high-risk groups, except for men having sex with men. This review suggests that alcohol use is associated with diverse sexual risk behaviors and outcomes across a variety of social groups in China, consistent with the evidence from the Western countries and Sub-Saharan Africa. Alcohol use is an important but under-researched correlate of sexual risk behaviors and outcomes in China. This review indicates the importance of research assessing alcohol use among both genders and with standardized measures, and suggests the importance of integrating alcohol use control in sexual risk reduction and prevention efforts in China.