Abstract

MACCHI, ML et al. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Related to HIV/AIDS in High-School Aged Youth in the Metropolitan Area of Asuncion, Paraguay. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2006, vol.33, n.2, pp.98-107. ISSN 1683-9803.

Introduction: The current generation of youths is the largest in history; almost half of the world’s population are less than 25 years of age. They have never known a worldwithout AIDS. The few countries that have achieved a reduction in the prevalence of HIV have done so above all by inducing young people to practice safe behavior. Objectives: Determine the HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes, and practices of high-school aged students in public and private secondary schools of the cities of Asuncion and Lambare, Paraguay. Material and Methods: The study is prospective, analytical, cross-sectional, and observational. A self-administered voluntary survey was given to students of the 1st-, 2d-, and 3d-year students (corresponding to grades 10, 11, and 12) of the mean of the high schools in Asuncion and Lambare during the month of August, 2006. Results: A total of 336 surveys were analyzed; the mean age of respondents was 16 years-of-age, and 48 percent were female. The source of information cited most often by respondents, and the one they rated most important, was their school. Of the respondents, 42% reported having sexual relations, including 56.5% of the males and 27% of the females. The mean age of first intercourse was 14.6 years, with 72% of the males reporting that they first experienced intercourse before 15 years of age. Overall, 55% reported using prophylactics during casual sex, and 71.3% knew what to do in risk situations. Fourteen had had a test for HIV, 10 of whom had also reported having sexual relations. The level of knowledge was generally low and inconsistent. Conclusion: The results show that young people are at risk if contracting HIV/AIDS.

Keywords : HIV; adolescent health; health knowledge; attitudes, practice; safe sex; Paraguay.