Teens speak out about HIV/AIDS: Focus group discussions about risk and decision-making

Abstract

Attempts should be made to make HIV education more relevant for teens so that they use the information they have when making decisions about safer sexual behavior. Different approaches may be needed for boys and girls.

Perceptions of undergraduate students not participating in HIV/AIDS prevention activities in Botswana

“…Reactions to the HIV/AIDS education are similar to what has been found in a related study elsewhere. Hope et al. (2004) found that students had no interest in HIV/AIDS education because they felt that the message delivered was not personally relevant to them.…”

The Turn the Tables Technique (T3): A Program Activity to Provide Group Facilitators Insight into Teen Sexual Behaviors and Beliefs

“…Although teens know how HIV is transmitted and are aware of the positive and negative outcomes of engaging in risky or unsafe sexual behavior, the information does not seem salient or personally relevant to them and has little bearing on their sexual decision making (Hoppe et al, 2004). Through T 3 , facilitators can identify the kind of information teens find relevant to them because the teens drive the conversation about how and why teens in their community behave the way they do.…”

“…Through T 3 , facilitators can identify the kind of information teens find relevant to them because the teens drive the conversation about how and why teens in their community behave the way they do. If the information discussed is more real and personal, teens will be more likely to be engaged (Hoppe et al, 2004). …”

“…Adolescents often deny practicing unsafe and risky sexual behaviors (Hoppe et al, 2004). During T 3 , teens describe the kinds of behaviors that are typical of adolescents they know in their schools or neighborhoods.…”