title: Adolescent optimistic bias toward HIV/AIDS in Seoul, South Korea.
abstract: The reported rates of HIV/AIDS cases and risky sexual behaviors have increased among adolescents in South Korea. This study reports the presence, impact, and development of optimistic bias toward HIV/AIDS in Korean adolescents. Survey data from 2996 participants were randomly collected from 8 high school and 8 middle school students in Seoul, South Korea. This study found that Korean high and middle school students had greater optimistic bias toward HIV/AIDS compared with their peers (P = .000). Involvement (r = -0.19; P < .01) decreased optimistic bias, whereas self-esteem (r = 0.13; P < .01) and self-control (r = 0.22; P < .01) increased it. Univariate analysis results indicated that gender and academic performance significantly influenced optimistic bias. However, according to hierarchical multiple regression, this significance was lost, and involvement, self-esteem, and self-control exerted a greater effect. Equipping Korean adolescents with involvement, awareness, and tailored interventions will reduce optimistic bias and yield greater protection against HIV/AIDS.
authors.affiliation: Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea. aeree@syu.ac.kr
authors.forename: Aeree
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sohn
authors.forename: Sungsoo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chun
authors.forename: Easton A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D056910:Republic of Korea; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult