AIDS: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Risk Characteristics of Teens

Although teenagers are not among the highest-risk groups for contracting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or for exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), their sexual behavior and possible experimentation with drug use place them at risk. A survey of 207 sexually active teenagers attending a family planning clinic was made to assess knowledge, attitudes, and risk characteristics of this group. Results indicated that respondents were aware of the major modes of HIV transmission, but they had some misconceptions about the risk associated with casual contact. Nine percent of respondents reported engaging in behavior placing them at risk for HIV infection. A high level of interest in additional information on AIDS was reported. Education on AIDS should be provided to teenagers and family planning clinic patients, focusing on heterosexual transmission, the role of intravenous (IV) drug use, and risks associated with multiple sexual partners, along with methods of reducing risk of HIV infection.