Abstract
Purpose. To examine risk-taking behaviors and HIV self-disclosure among vertically HIV-infected adolescents in northern Thailand. Methods. A quantitative survey was conducted from 2007 to 2008 at 2 pediatric HIV clinics in northern Thailand among vertically HIV-infected adolescents aged ≥13 years, with disclosed HIV status. The survey assessed sociodemographics, substance use, sexual behavior, peer behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes regarding HIV disclosure. Results. Fifty-four adolescents (median age 14.6 years) participated; 18.5% reported previous alcohol use but none reported drug use; 35.2% reported presexual activity, and 3.7% reported sexual activity. Nearly all (96.3%) knew that HIV could be transmitted sexually, but knowledge regarding other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was poor. Nearly half (48.1%) had never disclosed their status to anyone. Conclusions. Rates of substance use and sexual activity were low in this population. STI knowledge was poor and diagnosis self-disclosure was infrequent. Improved sexual education and self-disclosure skills are needed among vertically HIV-infected adolescents in Thailand.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 221-228 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- HIV
- Thailand
- adolescent
- risk-taking
- self-disclosure
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases