AIDS Knowledge and Beliefs, and Sexual Behavior of Sexually Delinquent and Non-Delinquent (Runaway) Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 133378
• Journal: Journal of Adolescence Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1991) Pages: 229-244
• Author(s): M J Rotherham-Borus; J V Becker; C Koopman; M Kaplan
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1P50 MH 43520
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A sample of 60 sexually delinquent males and 57 non- delinquent runaway males was studied to assess general knowledge of AIDS, beliefs about AIDS prevention, and sexual behavior among male adolescents at high risk of HIV/AIDS.

Abstract

According to the findings, 45 percent of the sexually delinquent males had had sexual intercourse with a consenting female as compared to 89 percent of the non- delinquent runaway males. Fewer sexually delinquent males were knowledgeable about AIDS or were able to discriminate safe sexual behaviors from more risky behaviors. Both groups reported moderate support for beliefs about preventing HIV infection. These results indicate the need for more AIDS prevention education programs targeted at these high risk groups, although future research should focus on the relationship between general knowledge to beliefs, and how knowledge and beliefs are related to reducing unsafe sex and drug behaviors among youths at high risk. 5 tables and 42 references