Differences between female and male adolescents regarding individual vulnerability to HIV

Authors

  • Renata Holanda Dutra dos Anjos Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • José Augusto de Souza Silva Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Luciane Ferreira do Val Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem; Departamento de Enfermagem em Saúde Coletiva
  • Laura Alarcon Rincon Universidade Nacional da Colômbia; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Lucia Yasuko Izumi Nichiata Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem; Departamento Enfermagem

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-62342012000400007

Keywords:

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV, Adolescent, Health vulnerability, Gender identity

Abstract

The objective of this study was to comparatively analyze male and female adolescents' vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, based on their knowledge, values and practices. This is an exploratory-descriptive study, performed using a quantitative approach. The students answered a questionnaire from which relevant questions were selected for the analysis. The participants were 207 adolescents, 43.5% male and 56.5% female. Most adolescents report having initiated sexual activities. It was observed that the participants have knowledge deficits regarding HIV transmission and safe sexual practices. Although they report knowing about condom use as a method of protection against HIV, they do not always use them. It was observed that there are values connected to the representations of gender, but it is noticed there is an evolution regarding the autonomy and power of the girls' negotiation regarding condom use.

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Published

2012-08-01

Issue

Section

Original Article

How to Cite

Anjos, R. H. D. dos, Silva, J. A. de S., Val, L. F. do, Rincon, L. A., & Nichiata, L. Y. I. (2012). Differences between female and male adolescents regarding individual vulnerability to HIV. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 46(4), 829-837. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-62342012000400007