Knowledge, Attitudes, Threat Perception, and Practices toward HIV/AIDS among Youths in Iran: A Health Belief Model–Based Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: About one third of all new HIV infections are estimated to occur among young people globally. In recent years, the increasing age of marriage in Iran has caused increasing risky behaviors in the young population. According to evidence, risk perception toward acquiring HIV is an important factor for risky behaviors. Objectives: This study was conducted to detect the concern toward HIV acquisition among Iranian youths. Evidence Acquisition: In this systematic review, the knowledge, attitudes, threat perception, and practices of youths toward HIV/AIDS were assessed through searching such databases as the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Quality assessment was done using STROBE and PRISMA-P checklists. A total of 1,036 articles were initially found, of which 28 articles were analyzed. Results: The youths’ knowledge about HIV/AIDS varied from low to moderate, their attitude was generally negative, perceived risk susceptibility was low, and risk perception ranged from 6.5 to 60%. Premarital sexual relationships were reported by 8 - 50% of the youths, while the rate of both condom use and consistent condom use was less than 50%. Conclusions: The current situation is worrisome and needs serious practical measurements. Therefore, urgent and multifactorial interventions such as establishment of youths’ sexual reproductive health services and its integration into the current primary health care system across the country are needed.

Application of machine learning for risky sexual behavior interventions among factory workers in China

“…Additionally, previous studies suggest that various interventions should increase HIV/STIs awareness and reduce HIV/STIs-related risk behaviors among factory workers in China because they are particularly vulnerable to infection (3)(4)(5). One key strategy to reduce the incidence of HIV/STIs is to increase awareness and attitudes toward risky sexual behaviors (6,7). Barriers to raising awareness and attitudes toward risky sexual behavior include uneven regional development, limited knowledge availability, and economic costs (8,9).…”