Vulnerability to HIV infection and related health risk behaviors of the out of school adolescents migrated with their parents to Beijing
Ma, Y-Hua.; Ding, S-Qin.; Wang, C.
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Bes 21(5): 404-410
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0895-3988 PMID: 19133614 DOI: 10.1016/s0895-3988(08)60061-6Document Number: 204096
To explore the vulnerability to HIV infection and related risk behaviors of the out-of-school adolescents who migrated with their parents from rural areas to cities. From September to October 2005, 260 out-of-school adolescents aged 14-20 years were interviewed through a questionnaire. Out-of-school adolescents lacked HIV/AIDS knowledge and related life skills, and their psychosocial competency was relatively low. The interviewed adolescents were open in their sexuality, showing a low rate of condom use. Their attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS prevention competency were positively correlated with family well-being, harmonious relations between their parents, a stable job, knowledge, life skill, and psychosocial competency for emotion control and empathy. Out-of-school adolescents are highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection and transmission. Practical and feasible health and life skill education and psychosocial competency are the keys to effective HIV/AIDS prevention among out-of-school adolescent migrants.