Changing adolescents' HIV-related attitudes and behaviors: the challenge and the opportunity.
Most teenagers have basic knowledge about HIV, although misconceptions about the safety of venipuncture and blood donation persist. By high school age, over half of teens nationally report having had sexual intercourse. Despite adequate knowledge and good intentions to stay safe, which are reinforced by widespread HIV education, consistent condom use by adolescents nationally is sporadic and not increasing. Several projects have achieved behavior change by enhancing teens' personal motivation and assisting in the development of assertiveness and communication skills. Implications for office-based pediatrics are discussed.
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
L K
LK
Brown
K J
KJ
Lourie
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012309:Risk-Taking