5139.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 12:30 PM

Abstract #19505

A descriptive analysis of African American adolescent females' HIV/STD prevention knowledge: Significant gaps remain

Richard A Crosby, PhD1, Ralph J DiClemente, PhD1, Gina M Wingood, ScD, MPH1, Kathleen F Harrington, MAEd, MPH2, and Susan Davies, PhD3. (1) Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education at the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, fifth floor, Atlanta, GA 30322, 770 982 7527, rcrosby@sph.emory.edu, (2) Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1666 University Blvd, Suite 237, Birmingham, AL 35244, (3) Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 Unversity Blvd., Suite 410, Birmingham, AL 35294

Background: One factor that may influence the adoption of adolescents' HIV/STD-protective behaviors is their prevention knowledge. Although knowledge may not be sufficient to foster adolescents' adoption of preventive behaviors, it may be necessary to motivate their behavior change and help them to identify safer sexual practices. Objective: To assess HIV/STD prevention knowledge among 522 sexually active African American adolescent females residing in high-risk environments. Methods: Females were recruited from schools and adolescent medicine clinics in low-income neighborhoods of Birmingham, Alabama. Adolescents completed a self-administered survey that contained 12 binary choice items assessing knowledge about HIV/STD prevention. Results: Misconceptions were common. The mean score on these questions was 6.7 of the 12 items correct (SD=2.4; median=7.0; range=0-12). Less than 30% knew that females were more susceptible than males to the sexual acquisition of STDs and AIDS. About 62% believed that sheepskin condoms provide better STD protection than latex condoms. More than 50% believed that all STDs can be cured, that STDs do not increase risk of HIV infection, and that douching after sex helps protect from STD acquisition. Nearly 50% believed that oil-based lubricants used with condoms would reduce their risk of HIV infection. 35% believed they could always tell if sex partner had an STD and 41% were not aware that STDs could lead to infertility. Discussion: These misconceptions may adversely influence adolescents' adoption and maintenance of HIV/STD protective behaviors. Further school-based and community-based efforts to correct adolescents' misconceptions about HIV/STD prevention are warranted.

Learning Objectives: Session participants will be able to identify and describe potential implications of the observed misconceptions among these high-risk female teens.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA