The gap between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior: a study of teenagers in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública 2013-05, Vol.29 (5), p.1008-1018
• Main Authors: Moura, Luciana Ramos de, Lamounier, Joyce Romano, Guimarães, Patrícia Regina, Duarte, Júlia Mesquita, Beling, Maria Tereza Cordeiro, Pinto, Jorge Andrade, Goulart, Eugênio Marcos de Andrade, Grillo, Cristiane de Freitas Cunha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - prevention & control; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - transmission; Adolescent; Brazil; Condoms - utilization; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV; Humans; Male; PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH; Risk Reduction Behavior; Sexual Behavior; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0102-311X; 1678-4464; 1678-4464; 0102-311X
• DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2013000500018

The aim of this study was to investigate gaps between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior among teenagers. The study used a cross-sectional design with a representative random sample of 1,158 teenagers (14 to 19 years of age) enrolled in nine public secondary schools and who answered validated questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and tests of hypotheses (chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis, Kendall, and Fisher's exact test). The vast majority of the teenagers (98.7%) expressed doubt on at least one question. Condom use during first sexual intercourse was significantly associated with condom use in sexual relations in the previous six months. There was no statistical association between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and frequency of condom use or number of sexual partners. Health actions are needed that link schools to health services, in addition to not only elaborating appropriate information but also valorizing teenagers' individuality in the development of proposals.