Epidemiology and Social Science Risk-Taking Behaviors Among Vertically HIV-Infected Adolescents

Purpose. To examine risk-taking behaviors and HIV self-disclosure among vertically HIV-infected adoles-cents 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 dis-closed HIV status. The survey assessed sociodemo-graphics, substance use, sexual behavior, peer behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes regarding HIV dis-closure. Results. Fifty-four adolescents (median age 14.6 years) participated; 18.5 % reported previous alco-hol 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 trans-mitted 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