Cultural Adaptation of the Focus on Kids Program for College Students in China

Abstract

This pilot study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of cultural adaptation of a social cognitive theory–based HIV risk reduction program delivered among college students in China. Three hundred eighty students from four universities in Nanjing, China, were assigned by classroom to either an intervention group receiving the culturally adapted HIV risk reduction curriculum or a control group. Data were collected at baseline and 6 months postintervention. Outcome measures included HIV–related knowledge and perceptions, intention of risk behaviors, and self–reported risk behaviors. The participation in the intervention was significantly associated with increased HIV–related knowledge (including knowledge of condom use) and protective perceptions (e.g., self–efficacy), and associated with decreased intention of engaging in sexual intercourse in the next 6 months. There was no intervention effect on sexual behaviors because of the relatively low rates of sexual activities. The results suggest that a social cognitive theory based HIV risk reduction program for young adults can be effective in changing HIV–related perceptions and intentions in China.