The challenge of HIV prevention among high-risk adolescents
Sullivan, T.R.
Health and Social Work 21(1): 58-65
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0360-7283 PMID: 8626159 Document Number: 305683
This article opens with a review of the literature on research on HIV risk among adolescents in the US, which is organized into the following topics: adolescents and social contexts, social marginalization, sexual orientation, and developmental factors. The article then presents results of an exploratory study of HIV knowledge and risk behaviors found in 60 teenagers and young men 13-29 years old who were part of the street culture in Hollywood, California. Potential participants were included in the sample if they exhibited any combination of the following risk factors: unstable housing, involvement with illicit drugs, engagement in prostitution, or identification as gay or bisexual. Data were collected through 20-minute long structured interviews. It was found that 60% were White, 30% Black, 5% Hispanic, and 5% other; 90% were gay or bisexual; 80% were not traditionally employed; 25% were registered in school; 44% had no stable housing arrangement; and 57% used drugs. While 76% could identify a correct source of HIV infection, 75% of these also mentioned an incorrect source. Means of prevention mentioned were condom use (82%), not sharing needles (42%), and reducing the number of sexual partners (13%), but this knowledge did not translate into safe behavior (19% shared needles, 53% had intercourse without a condom, and 67% had multiple sex partners). Consistent condom use was reported by only 20%, 7% were celibate, and 63% had not undergone HIV testing. It was concluded that youth living at this level of marginalization are at very high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and are unlikely to be served by available health promotion strategies. The distinct developmental needs of this population must be recognized in order to design programs to protect them from HIV/AIDS.