title: Knowledge about STD/AIDS and sexual behavior among high school students in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
abstract: The incidence of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is increasing among adolescents. In order to better understand high-risk sexual behavior among students, a cross-sectional study based on a self-answered anonymous questionnaire was conducted in 10 public and private high schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were obtained on sociodemographics, knowledge of STD/AIDS, and sexual behavior. Among 945 students aged 13-21, 59% were sexually initiated, and the median age at first sexual intercourse was 15 years (range: 7-19). Although 94% reported being aware of the need for condom use for protection, only 34% informed always using condoms during sex. Low family income was associated with unsatisfactory knowledge (OR = 9.40; 95% CI = 6.05-14.60) and inconsistent condom use (OR = 11.60; 95% CI = 5.54-24.30). However, unsatisfactory knowledge was not associated with inconsistent condom use. School-based educational programs should focus on sexual behavior more than on transmission of knowledge, as well as targeting low-income students.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Clínica Médica, Fundação Técnico-Educacional Souza Marques, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22220-000, Brasil. atrajman@centroin.com.br
authors.forename: Anete
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trajman
authors.forename: Márcia Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Belo
authors.forename: Eleny G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Teixeira
authors.forename: Vicente C S
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Dantas
authors.forename: Frederico M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Salomão
authors.forename: Antônio J Ledo A
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Cunha
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors