HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes, and Related Behaviors and Factors that Affect Stigmatizing Attitudes against HIV/AIDS among Korean Adolescents

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study examined the sex differentials for specific aspects of knowledge regarding HIV, stigmatizing attitudes toward people with HIV/AIDS (PWHAs) and sexual behavior. In addition, the factors that affect stigmatizing attitudes toward PWHAs were investigated.MethodsThe population of this study comprised of senior high students in Seoul, Korea. Eight high schools were selected randomly and 1566 adolescents participated in the survey. A total sample of 1548 cases (18 cases were excluded) was used for analysis. A self-administered questionnaire measuring their general and transmission and discriminatory attitudes was used.ResultsThe level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among Korean adolescents was low, as indicated by a correct response rate of 54% (7.0 out of 13). The students answered correctly about HIV transmission by kissing at 50.2%, toilets at 59.4%, cup sharing at 57.4%, and daily school life at 60.5%. The level of discriminatory attitudes towards HIV-infected persons was high. Boys reported a higher proportion of sexual experience (7.0% vs. 2.6%, OR=2.89, p < 0.001). Only 39.0% used a condom during their last sexual encounter and more girls (53.3%) than boys (35.3%) reported using a condom.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the need for increasing HIV knowledge, reducing HIV stigma, and providing sex education focusing on safer sex practices.

Changes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-related Knowledge and Stigmatizing Attitudes among Korean Adolescents from 2006 to 2011

“…To examine trends, we compared data from the 2008 and 2011 surveys with findings from the 2006 survey Table 1. Methodological details for the 2006 and 2008 surveys have been reported elsewhere [8,9,13,14].…”

“…Discrimination also had a direct effect on unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse with both women and men [7]. Finally, stigma and discrimination have been associated with HIV risk, and found to be a barrier to HIV prevention interventions [8].…”

“…Stigmatizing attitudes are strongly associated with the misconception of HIV transmission and negative attitudes toward the social group, particularly homosexuals and sex workers [4,8,9]. Knowledge is an important prerequisite for prevention in other areas of HIV transmission.…”

“…Despite such preventive efforts during the past two decades, the Ministry’s reported number of HIV-positive persons in Korea has increased continuously from 2470 in 2003 to 7835 in 2011. Of those, 24.5% are young people aged between 10 years and 29 years [8,11,12].…”

Human Diseases 101: Nature Versus Nurture

“…Only 39.0% used a condom during their last sexual encounter; more girls (53.3%) than boys (35.3%) reported using a condom. These findings could be a basis for increasing HIV knowledge, reducing HIV stigma and providing sex education, focusing on safer sex practices among young adults in Korea [10].…”