Naiseksi, mieheksi, tietoiseksi : koululaisten seksuaalinen kokeneisuus, HIV/AIDS-tiedot, -asenteet ja tiedonlähteet

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate sexual experiences and HIV/ AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and sources of information of 13- and 15-year-old school children. The study was a part of a larger, comparative, WHO-coordinated project on the health and life-style of school children (Health Behaviour of School-Aged Children, the HBSC study). Survey research data were used to investigate the influence of age, gender, and social background. Analyses of trends were made between data collected in 1990 (N=1851) and 1994 (N=2432). In addition, focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with 15-year-old boys and girls. Sexual experiences (hugging, kissing, petting and sexual intercourse) did not change significantly between 1990 and 1994. At both points in time, about 7% of 13-year-olds and 26% of 15-year-olds reported having had their first sexual intercourse. Condoms were the most common contraceptive method used, although it was perceived to be quite embarrassing to buy them. Adolescents showed a good level of knowledge about HIV infection and AIDS. While their level of knowledge was good, their attitude was that the threat of an HIV infection was not a personal issue. Furthermore, negative attitudes to those having HIV/ AIDS became more pronounced the more socially distant the infected person was to the respondent. The FGDs presented a more sceptical view of the attitudes of adolescents than the survey, while the knowledge about HIV infection and AIDS was the same regardless of the research method. Adolescents reported that they received most of their information about HIV/ AIDS from television, magazines, the school nurse and teachers. With regard to sources of information, the mass media lost some of its importance as a while the importance of interpersonal consultation increased.