Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs related to HIV/AIDS among adolescents in Malaysia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2002
Abstract
Findings on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs related to HIV/AIDS among 520 Malaysian adolescents, aged 15 to 21 years, based on a survey conducted in Peninsular Malaysia showed that the average score for knowledge on HIV/AIDS was high, and majority showed a positive attitude towards the disease. However, misconceptions regarding transmission and gender bias related to sexual behaviour and contracting the disease prevailed. Although 72 percent of the sexually-experienced did not use protection at first sexual intercourse, 80 percent did not perceive themselves to be at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. A critical review of existing HIV/AIDS prevention programmes to focus on adolescent risk-taking behaviour and sexuality issues, including male-female negotiation skills, is warranted.
Keywords
Adolescent Adult Female *HIV Infections/prevention & control/transmission *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Humans Malaysia Male
Divisions
fac_med
Publication Title
Medical Journal of Malaysia
Volume
57
Issue
1
Publisher
Malaysian Medical Association
Additional Information
Zulkifli, S N Wong, Y L eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Malaysia 2003/10/23 05:00 Med J Malaysia. 2002 Mar;57(1):3-23.