High School Seniors' HIV-Related Knowledge, Behaviors, and Attitudes

Abstract

This study examined adolescents' HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, and the relationship between self-protective behaviors and beliefs about HIV-related medical technologies. The sample consisted of 20 male and 30 female high school seniors with a mean age of 17.5 years. Participants completed a questionnaire and an open-ended interview. Knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention was high. Seventy percent of the sample was sexually active. Only 49% of the sexually active adolescents reported consistent condom use during sexual intercourse. Males and females did not differ on most items; however, males reported using protection during intercourse more often than females (p = .02). Participants reported low feelings of personal vulnerability to HIV/AIDS but placed high value on self-protection against HIV/AIDS. No differences were found in beliefs about HIV-related medical technologies among three sexual behavior groups (abstinent, use condoms always, use condoms inconsistently).