The level of knowledge and views of the street children/youth about AIDS in Turkey

Interventions to modify sexual risk behaviours for preventing HIV in homeless youth

“…As a group, they lack the economic, social, and emotional resources to provide for their basic needs, such as adequate sleep, clothing, shelter, and nutrition, which has dire consequences for their physical and emotional health (Van Wormer 2003). Studies have indicated that homeless youth have significant health risks related to sexual behaviour and substance use and linked to increased risk for HIV/AIDS and other STIs (Anarfi 1997;Baybuga 2004;de Carvalho 2006;Richter 1995;Walters 1999). In a review of 52 studies of the health of street youth in industrialized countries, these youth had higher rates of hepatitis B, C, and HIV than their non-street peers (Boivin 2005).…”

“…Homeless youth, therefore, are of particular importance as a population at high risk for acquiring HIV infection. Knowledge of sexuality (Gatu 2000;Richter 1995) and HIV/AIDS among homeless youth is generally inadequate and not translated into preventive behaviours (Baybuga 2004;Bernier 1995;Gatu 2000;Robinson 2001;Snell 2002). Homeless youth are highly vulnerable to engaging in unprotected survival sex to meet their basic needs and/or feed a drug habit (Bernier 1995;Walters 1999) and are subject to rape (Swart-Kruger 1997).…”

“…Because they are marginalized and underserved, homeless youth do not have adequate access to social and health services, including health education (Baybuga 2004;Snell 2002 This review will identify and allow lessons learned from effective interventions to guide the development and implementation of future HIV-risk reduction, behavioural modification interventions for homeless youth.…”

AIDS knowledge and attitudes in a Turkish population: an epidemiological study

“…Several studies, conducted among selected target populations, have evaluated HIV/AIDS knowledge and the attitudes of certain groups such as university students [9], health non-commissioned officer candidates [10], soldiers [11], street children/youths [12], and nurses [13] within the Turkish society. In Turkey, however, we are unaware of any earlier studies of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions or practices conducted among the general population of Turkey.…”

Turkish school teachers’ knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS

“…While several studies on HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions have been conducted among university students (2), street children/youths (12), and soldiers (13), there is no data about Turkish school teachers. This study aimed a) to assess school teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions of HIV/AIDS and b) to provide information useful to health workers and policymakers for establishing prevention programs.…”