20 Years Later and Still at Risk

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rates in the United States continue unabated among some groups, with young adults of color at greater risk than others. This study sought to determine college students' knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors related to HIV/AIDS. Undergraduate students ( N = 443) at a large, urban Hispanic-serving institution in south Texas were surveyed. Participants' self-reported knowledge of HIV transmission was moderate; significant differences exist between age and ethnic groups for some items. Implications for education and prevention campaigns are discussed.

Hispanic and White College Students’ Sexual Behavior

“…Much of the current sexual health literature on Hispanic college students focuses on HIV/AIDS knowledge (e.g., Johnston Polacek, Hicks, & Oswalt, 2007), human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge (e.g., Schiffner & Buki, 2006), sexually transmitted infection (STI) knowledge (Jones, Patsdaughter, & Chadwell, 2011), attitudes about a specific a components of sexual health (e.g., monogamy; , or attitudes about sexuality issues in general (e.g., Eisenman & Dantzker, 2006).…”

“…Although these sexual health outcomes are well documented for Hispanic youth and young adults in general, specific information about the sexual behaviors and sexual needs of Hispanic college students is lacking (Kim, De La Rosa, Trepka, & Kelley, 2007; Stephens & Thomas, 2011). Much of the current sexual health literature on Hispanic college students focuses on HIV/AIDS knowledge (e.g., Johnston Polacek, Hicks, & Oswalt, 2007), human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge (e.g., Schiffner & Buki, 2006), sexually transmitted infection (STI) knowledge (Jones, Patsdaughter, & Chadwell, 2011), attitudes about a specific a components of sexual health (e.g., monogamy; Oswalt & Wyatt, 2011), or attitudes about sexuality issues in general (e.g., Ahrold & Meston, 2010; Eisenman & Dantzker, 2006).…”

Effects of an Undergraduate HIV/AIDS Course on Students' HIV Risk

“…Students tend to be aware that HIV is an epidemic, is sexually transmitted, and can be prevented through the use of condoms. However, because of their lack of personal exposure to people with HIV/AIDS and their perception of being invincible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), many college students feel disconnected from HIV and do not view themselves as susceptible to it (Barth, 2002; Opt & Loffredo, 2004; Polacek et al, 2007; Lewis, Miguez-Burbano & Malow, 2009). College students also frequently underestimate their partner’s susceptibility to infection, often citing the fact that they “seem” STI free as a reason for not using condoms (Downing-Matibag & Geisinger, 2009).…”

Asking Numbers to Speak

“…Kaufman, Cornish, Zimmerman, and Johnson (2014) argued that often, HIV prevention stems from, among other things, individuals’ knowledge of who is at risk and what behaviors place someone at risk. The common attitude of young adults is that HIV is not an area of concern (Beltzer et al, 2013; Polacek, Hicks, & Oswalt, 2007; Vermund & Wilson, 2002). Having grown up with HIV in the media their entire lives, with most of the focus on discussion of HIV in the world, young people perceive HIV as an “other” world problem (Zoller, 2005).…”