Trends in HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Self-Testing Preferences Among College Students: A Five-Year Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in Shenzhen, China

Despite over 40 years having passed since the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), neither a cure nor a prophylactic vaccine is yet clinically available. Promoting preventive measures and raising awareness remain critical to controlling the epidemic, especially among key populations such as college students and men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly in light of the rapid rise in adolescent AIDS cases in China. In this study, we conducted an annual anonymous online cross-sectional survey from 2018 to 2022 to assess HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and willingness to adopt preventive measures among college students in Shenzhen, China. A total of 3,095 valid questionnaires were collected. The knowledge attainment rate increased significantly from 28.2% to 49.5% during this period and was correlated with gender, age, grade, and household registration status ( p < .05). Male participants (odds ratio = 1.232, 95% confidence interval: 1.053–1.422, p < .01) demonstrated higher HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness than females and were more willing to use self-testing. Fingerstick blood-based self-test kits were the most commonly preferred option among participants. Most participants preferred to access self-test kits in medical rooms, dormitories, and bathrooms. Although MSM individuals showed greater willingness to adopt preventive measures, their knowledge awareness rate was not significantly different from that of the general student population. These findings suggest that implementing peer-community health programs combined with edutainment approaches may improve HIV/AIDS knowledge and promote preventive behaviors and service utilization among college students.