The Emergence of Adolescents as a Risk Group for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract:
Adolescents have only recently been identified as a risk group for HIV infection. Limited data suggest that the prevalence of HIV infection among selected adolescent populations is considerable. These data, however, are not generalizable because of the unrepresentative nature of the adolescent populations studied. Surrogate epidemiologic markers for projecting the potential spread of HIV in the adolescent population are identified. These markers include the prevalence of contraceptive behavior, rate of unintended pregnancy, and the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. Adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and changers in AIDS-preventive behaviors are described. Psychosocial factors that may influence the adoption and maintenance of AIDS-preventive behaviors are identified and discussed. To increase the potential for developing effective HIV prevention programs, there is a need for greater understanding of the psychological determinants motivating behavior change among youth.

Author(s): DiClemente, Ralph J., PhD

Publication: Journal of Adolescent Research, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 7-17


Date Published: 1/1/1990

Pages: 10

Location Code: 7017