Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Adolescents: Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors

• NCJ Number: 109078
• Journal: Pediatrics Volume: 79 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1987) Pages: 825-828
• Author(s): L Strunin; R Hingson
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 4 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01-AA06494-03; 1025-5
• Corporate Author: New York City Dept of Probation
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Results of a 1986 random-sample survey of 860 16- to 19-year-old adolescents in Massachusetts indicate that many are still misinformed or confused about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS transmission.

Abstract

Of respondents, 70 percent reported being sexually active, but only 15 percent had changed their sexual behavior because of concern about contracting AIDS. Only 20 percent of those who had changed their sexual behavior used effective methods of preventing transmission. Only 8 percent of respondents did not know that AIDS can be transmitted by heterosexual intercourse. While psychoactive drugs other than alcohol and marijuana had been used by 13 percent, only 8 percent of these did not know that AIDS can be transmitted by intravenous drug use. The majority of respondents knew a relationship exists between AIDS and other blood and body fluids, but knowledge of the mode of transmission was limited. No significant differences in knowledge of AIDS transmission via sexual behavior was found between sexually active and nonactive youth, nor was there a significant difference in knowledge of the AIDS-drug use relationship between psychoactive drug users and nonusers. Results suggest a need for systematic educational efforts to reduce confusion and misinformation in this population. 2 tables and 13 references. (Publisher abstract modified)