HIV/AIDS knowledge among a group of youngsters under social protection in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: A number of radical changes in social conditions have created new hazards, such as STDs and HIV/AIDS, for young people. The purpose of this research was to determine the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge and information sources of the youngsters who are under social protection in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Participants of the study were 649 female and 739 males between the ages of 12 and 24 (M = 15.3, SD = 1.92) who are under social protection in Turkey. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, sources of HIV/AIDS information questionnaire, and HIV/AIDS questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered in the evenings when most of the youngsters under social protection were in the dormitory. Finally, we reached 1388 youngsters (39.5% of the total). Results: Healthcare workers (e.g., doctors and nurses) and peers were the significant sources of HIV knowledge among youngsters under social protection and their HIV/AIDS knowledge was quite low. Gender differences did not affect knowledge on HIV/AIDS. However, level of education and age were positively correlated with the level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Finally, youngsters who lived urban areas most were more knowledgeable on HIV/AIDS. Conclusions: We concluded that adolescents under social protection need education on sexually transmitted diseases. © TÜBİTAK.