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

• Main Authors: Benjamin Lee, Peninnah Oberdorfer
• Format: Journal
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Immunology and Microbiology; Medicine
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=70349569226&origin=inward; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/59629
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

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).