Risk-taking behaviors among vertically HIV-infected adolescents in northern Thailand

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, w...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Benjamin Lee, Peninnah Oberdorfer
Format: Journal
Published: 2018
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Online Access:https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=70349569226&origin=inward
http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/59629
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Institution: Chiang Mai University
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Summary: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. © 2009 The Author(s).