The Jamaican adolescent: an assessment of knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of adolescent Jamaicans in a church youth group, regarding HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 45 adolescents from a Jamaican youth group completed a modified version of the AIDS Attitude Scale (AAS). The subjects were assessed for having empathy or avoidance towards people with HIV/AIDS. A focus group discussion after completion of the AAS provided information about the participants' knowledge regarding HIV transmission and self-protection.

FINDINGS

The adolescents' responses on the AAS indicated strong empathy (4.66) and an overall supportive attitude (+1.77) for people with HIV/AIDS. While the adolescents incorrectly felt that HIV/AIDS was being spread mainly by homosexual encounters in their country, other responses regarding mode of transmission were quite accurate. Since these adolescents were practicing abstinence and the avoidance of drugs and alcohol, they weren't worried about protecting themselves from the transmission of HIV; however, when asked what they would tell their friends outside of the church about HIV protection, most subjects were able to provide accurate information.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that Jamaican adolescents actively committed to the teachings of the church are generally knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and supportive of people with HIV/AIDS. Nurses and other health care professionals working with members of the church youth groups to develop peer educator programs, would have effective role models to help influence the sexual behaviors of their adolescents.