Benjamin Lee1, Peninnah Oberdorfer. 1. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine risk-taking behaviors and HIV self-disclosure among vertically HIV-infected adolescents in northern Thailand. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.
PURPOSE: To examine risk-taking behaviors and HIV self-disclosure among vertically HIV-infected adolescents in northern Thailand. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.
Authors: Rachel C Vreeman; Anna Maria Gramelspacher; Peter O Gisore; Michael L Scanlon; Winstone M Nyandiko Journal: J Int AIDS Soc Date: 2013-05-27 Impact factor: 5.396
Authors: Gitau Mburu; Ian Hodgson; Sam Kalibala; Choolwe Haamujompa; Fabian Cataldo; Elizabeth D Lowenthal; David Ross Journal: J Int AIDS Soc Date: 2014-03-10 Impact factor: 5.396