Peer Risk Behavior and Denial of HIV/AIDS Among Adolescents

ISSN： 1468-1811

Source： Sex Education, Vol.3, Iss.1, 2003-04, pp. : 75-85

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Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate perceived risk behavior of peers in relation to sexual intercourse, and its associations with adolescents' personal risk behavior and their denial of HIV/AIDS risk. A sample of 291 Israeli adolescents, aged 14-18, who reported on their closest friend having been engaged in sexual intercourse assessed five peer sexual risk behaviors: age at first intercourse; number of sexual partners; use of any contraceptives; use of condoms; and drinking of alcohol before or during sexual intercourse. Respondents also reported on personal sexual behavior and completed a HIV/AIDS-related denial questionnaire. Positive associations were found between the perception of sexual risk behaviors of peers and respondents' risk behaviors. Denial of HIV/AIDS risk was associated with perceived risk behaviors of peers as well as personal risk behaviors. Several interpretations of the results are offered in the discussion. One possible viewpoint which merits further research is that perceived peer behaviors may affect sexual risk taking as well as the denial of HIV/AIDS. These claims should be further investigated in research aimed at interventions to reduce adolescents' risk behavior