[Adolescents and AIDS: sex behavior, knowledge and attitudes. Results of a survey of students in a large West German city].

OBJECTIVES

It was the goal of this study to describe sexual and contraceptive behaviour of adolescents as well as their knowledge about and attitudes towards AIDS and AIDS prevention, in order to assess their risk of HIV infection and to offer improved health education.

METHODS

Using a questionnaire a survey was carried out among 740 pupils of several Düsseldorf schools during the summer of 1991.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents neither reported frequent change of sex partners nor intercourse with unknown partners. About 50% reported occasional use of condoms. Although adolescents in this study were well informed about AIDS, there was a wish for better information on HIV infection and AIDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents in this sample cannot be considered to be at high risk for HIV infection. More promiscuous subgroups should be urged to increase condom use. It should be explored why adolescents although well informed about AIDS are not satisfied with the AIDS education they received, perhaps there is a desire for more direct instructions.