Surveying knowledge and attitudes towards Aids in young adults — Just 19

Abstract

A QUESTIONNAIRE on health-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs was returned by 766 nineteen- year-olds from Doncaster. The section on Aids showed that the majority of young adults were well informed about main transmission routes, and of how to avoid infection with HIV. Confusion remains about aspects of HIV infection, including transmis sion via blood and by saliva. Many do not show sym pathy for people with Aids who are homosexual or injecting drug users. Most believe that they are not at risk of catching HIV, including those whose sexual behaviour could be said to be promiscuous. One in five respondents say they have changed their be haviour as a result of the threat of Aids. Health edu cation programmes at school and after need to be apposite, unambiguous and accessible to augment and extend levels of knowledge and to encourage all young people to adopt sexual practices which carry the least risk of infection for all sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.