 |
 |
|
|
 |
Bhattacharya, G. (2000). Knowledge about HIV/AIDS, the perceived risks of infection and sources of information of Asian-Indian adolescents born in the USA. AIDS Care, 12(2), 203-209.
- This study examined knowledge about HIV/AIDS, sources of information for education, and the usefulness of these sources for 1st generation American-born Asian-Indian adolescents in the New York and New Jersey area. According to this study, it is the first of its kind to gather data on American Asian-Indian adolescents’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS.
- Most adolescents in the study sample were aware of high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex. A large number (44%) were unaware of other transmission modes, such as anal intercourse. Misconceptions that public toilets can cause transmission of HIV can produce anxiety and bias. While 86% knew that having unsafe sex with a person infected with HIV could transmit HIV to another person, 47% did not know that sharing a razor with an HIV-positive person is also a risk.
- While television was the most used source of information among Asian-Indian adolescents, school programs on HIV/AIDS were considered the most useful source by the majority of the study participants.
- While other studies emphasize that educational awareness programs should provide facts on how HIV is transmitted, this study recommends that programs must also dispel misconceptions and myths about how HIV is transmitted. Other recommendations include utilizing television to reach adolescents on HIV/AIDS issues and to develop comprehensive educational materials and programs to address the gaps in knowledge among Asian Indian adolescents.
- The study’s findings indicate that school-based educational programs can greatly impact adolescent HIV/AIDS related behaviors.
|
|
|