Sexual risk behavior, AIDS knowledge, and beliefs about AIDS among predominantly minority gay and bisexual male adolescents.
Current sexual risk behavior, AIDS knowledge, and beliefs about AIDS prevention were examined among 59 black and Hispanic male adolescents attending a community center for gay and lesbian youth. Most (73%) were sexually active in the last 3 months, with a median of 2.0 partners and with only 21% reporting consistent condom use. These youths demonstrated moderately high AIDS knowledge (82%) and positive beliefs endorsing AIDS prevention (71%). When risk pattern was defined on the basis of partners, risk acts, and condom use, positive AIDS prevention beliefs were significantly and inversely associated with the high-risk pattern, but not with abstinence. These results suggest that youths who frequently engage in high-risk acts need intervention targeting changes in beliefs and behavior, as well as knowledge.
Rotheram-Borus
M J
MJ
HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, NY 10032.
Koopman
C
C
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires