title: The gap between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior: a study of teenagers in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate gaps between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior among teenagers. The study used a cross-sectional design with a representative random sample of 1,158 teenagers (14 to 19 years of age) enrolled in nine public secondary schools and who answered validated questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and tests of hypotheses (chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis, Kendall, and Fisher's exact test). The vast majority of the teenagers (98.7%) expressed doubt on at least one question. Condom use during first sexual intercourse was significantly associated with condom use in sexual relations in the previous six months. There was no statistical association between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and frequency of condom use or number of sexual partners. Health actions are needed that link schools to health services, in addition to not only elaborating appropriate information but also valorizing teenagers' individuality in the development of proposals.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil. lulysramos29@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Luciana Ramos de
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Moura
authors.forename: Joyce Romano
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Lamounier
authors.forename: Patrícia Regina
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.forename: Júlia Mesquita
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.forename: Maria Tereza Cordeiro
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Beling
authors.forename: Jorge Andrade
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: Eugênio Marcos de Andrade
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Goulart
authors.forename: Cristiane de Freitas Cunha
authors.initials: Cde F
authors.lastname: Grillo
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult