Risk-taking behaviors among vertically HIV-infected adolescents in northern Thailand
Lee, B.; Oberdorfer, P.
Journal of the International Association of Physicians in Aids Care 8(4): 221-228
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1545-1097 PMID: 19596866 DOI: 10.1177/1545109709341082Document Number: 207572
To examine risk-taking behaviors and HIV self-disclosure among vertically HIV-infected adolescents in northern Thailand. A quantitative survey was conducted from 2007 to 2008 at 2 pediatric HIV clinics in northern Thailand among vertically HIV-infected adolescents aged > or =13 years, with disclosed HIV status. The survey assessed sociodemographics, substance use, sexual behavior, peer behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes regarding HIV disclosure. Fifty-four adolescents (median age 14.6 years) participated; 18.5% reported previous alcohol use but none reported drug use; 35.2% reported presexual activity, and 3.7% reported sexual activity. Nearly all (96.3%) knew that HIV could be transmitted sexually, but knowledge regarding other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was poor. Nearly half (48.1%) had never disclosed their status to anyone. Rates of substance use and sexual activity were low in this population. STI knowledge was poor and diagnosis self-disclosure was infrequent. Improved sexual education and self-disclosure skills are needed among vertically HIV-infected adolescents in Thailand.