This multicenter cross-sectional study found significant gaps in sexual health knowledge among Chinese medical students, particularly regarding contraception and HPV vaccination, and identified higher monthly expenses, rural residency, and non-heterosexual orientation as factors associated with sexual activity.
The majority of participants identified as heterosexual, and less than one-third reported engaging in sexual activity.
Students with sexual experience had significantly higher contraceptive knowledge compared to those without sexual experience.
Misconceptions about contraception were common among participants.
Positive attitudes toward sexual health were generally observed, though traditional views on committed relationships persisted.
Logistic regression identified several demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with sexual activity among participants.
Knowledge gaps regarding HPV vaccination were identified as a significant area of concern.
The study underscores the need for comprehensive sexual health education to prepare future healthcare professionals for effective, non-judgmental patient care.
This research surveyed 765 postgraduate medical students at three major Beijing medical universities to understand what they know, believe, and do regarding sexual health. Although these students are training to become doctors, the study found notable gaps in their sexual health knowledge — especially around contraception and HPV vaccination. For example, more than a quarter of students incorrectly believed that having sex during a so-called 'safe period' cannot result in pregnancy, and about 15% thought that withdrawal before ejaculation is a reliable contraceptive method. Students who had personal sexual experience tended to know more about contraception than those who did not. The study also found that certain groups were more likely to report being sexually active: students with higher monthly spending, those from rural backgrounds, and those identifying as non-heterosexual. Female students and those still in undergraduate programs were less likely to report sexual activity. While students generally held positive attitudes toward sexual health, traditional values around committed relationships remained common, reflecting the broader cultural context in China. This research suggests that even students in medical training — who will eventually counsel patients on these topics — have significant gaps in sexual health knowledge and may hold cultural attitudes that could affect the quality of care they provide. The authors argue that more comprehensive, structured sexual health education is needed in Chinese medical schools, not just to fill knowledge gaps but also to help future doctors approach sexual health topics in a non-judgmental way with their patients.
Yao H, Ma R, Sun Q, Zhao J, Li Y, Bao T, et al.. (2025). Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexual health among Chinese medical students: a multicenter cross-sectional study.. BMC medical education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07286-5