Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to AIDS among youth in residential centers: results from an exploratory study

Abstract

This study assesses the level of knowledge about and attitudes toward AIDS among youth residing in residential centers. It also assesses the degree to which they engage in high risk behaviors related to AIDS. The study evaluates the impact of a short educational intervention on the youth's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to AIDS. Findings suggest that the respondents are relatively knowledgeable about the disease and how to prevent it. However, a substantial proportion of them do not hold positive attitudes toward prevention and are actually engaging in unsafe behavior. The results also show that a short intervention that provides information about AIDS is ineffective in reducing engagement in high risk activities.