AIDS: late adolescents' knowledge and its influence on sexual behavior
Roscoe, B.; Kruger, T.L.
Adolescence 25(97): 39-48
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-8449 PMID: 2333801 Document Number: 353068
The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge of late adolescents concerning AIDS, and to determine if and how their sexual behavior had changed as a result. Approximately 300 adolescents (undergraduate US college students) were surveyed with anonymous letters and questionnaires and the data was analyzed by descriptive and nonparametric procedures (chi-square analysis). The survey consisted of 3 sections: 1) 28 AIDS knowledge questions; 2) 10 demographic items and 3) an open-ended questionnaire concerning changes in sexual behavior as a result of a fear of AIDS. Findings suggested that the adolescents were quite knowledgeable about AIDS and its transmission; however, only about 1/3 had altered their sexual behavior as a result of fear of the disease, because as a group, adolescents do not believe that AIDS is the reason for change, the disease has subconsciously changed the way they perceive sex they are more selective in choosing their sexual partners. Perhaps they also already practiced safe-sex. Suggestions for changing behavior through education include: 1) giving explicit information via counseling and education; 2) use of developmental counseling; 3) provide information on testing for HIV; 4) making effective use of the relationship between counselor and student or client.