Marseille 2007
| Abstract #370 - Young people, sexuality and HIV prevention | ||||
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Session: 6.65: Posters A (Poster) on Monday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Xavier Bertin - Sida Info Service, France, Metropolitan |
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| Additional Authors: Mr Cyril Giresse, | ||||
| Method / Issue: HIV has become a major public health issue, particularly for young people, who account for half of the new infections worldwide. It is thus essential to study the behaviors, opinions and perceptions of this population as far as HIV and its risk factors are concerned. This article describes some of the main findings of a 2005 survey of under 25 year old people who called Sida Info Service toll-free phone number (the French HIV/AIDS help line), asked a question on the associations Internet site, or replied to a survey carried out at the Paris Salon de lEtudiant. In total, 46,051 young people shared with us their experience of HIV. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Many young people reported at least one sexual HIV risk behavior, most of the time recently. In the majority of cases, they had vaginal intercourse with an occasional partner, without using a condom. Sexual risks are due to several factors, including the context, and more precisely the nature of the relationship: for the first sexual intercourse, young people may be under particular pressure, which results in emotional fragility. In the case of a new relationship, they may have a feeling of safety if they believe the relationship will last or they may continue to have non-protected intercourse, following a longer relationship. In the case of a steady relationship, the partners trust each other and may be afraid of admitting infidelity. And, in the case of an occasional relationship, euphoria, drugs, or a positive perception of the partner are some elements which may lead people not to use a condom. In addition, young people seem to have knowledge that does not match with reality, or even inadequate knowledge about HIV transmission and HIV prevention methods. This is also true for HIV testing, which is the first question raised by young people calling Sida Info Service. In fact, many of them dont know where to go for an HIV test, and they wonder when they should do it. | ||||
| Discussion: Requests for information about HIV transmission and protection methods, or the risk level linked to sexual intercourse are often an introduction to other subjects related to the intimacy of young people. They can thus talk about discovery of love, affection and sexuality. These issues, which are difficult to discuss, place the counsellor in the position of an equal. In addition to scientific and technical information the counsellors always give to young people, they must also provide health education. All these facts tend to show that there are many differences among young people as far as HIV/AIDS awareness is concerned. A lot of them have vague information about transmission, protection methods and HIV testing. Moreover, casualness about the virus seems to become widespread. And finally, some contextual elements inherent to sexual relations come on top of that and lead young people to take risks. In view of the foregoing, the issue of Health Education and AIDS/STI prevention, and the current situation of young people in this context must be addressed and dealt with most carefully. | ||||
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