Components of a Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing the Risk of AIDS in Adolescents (From Primary Prevention of AIDS: Psychological Approaches, P 375-389, 1989, Vickie M Mays, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-123561)

• NCJ Number: 123569
• Author(s): J A Flora; C E Thoresen
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

These recommendations for a comprehensive strategy for AIDS prevention among adolescents emphasize the need to incorporate cognitive social learning theory into program design and operation and the development of interventions at the individual, family, school, community, and media levels.

Abstract

In addition, social marketing principles should be used to tailor messages to specific audiences, and these messages should be integrated with programs if they are to achieve the greatest possible effects. Although few cases of AIDS exist in adolescents, the long incubation period between HIV infection and an AIDS diagnosis means that many young adults with AIDS were probably infected while teenagers. In addition, research on sexual activity and drug use among adolescents shows the importance of efforts directed at this population. Runaway youth, black and Hispanic adolescents, and disadvantaged youth are at particular risk of HIV infection. Evaluations of existing programs to prevent teenage pregnancy, smoking, and cardiovascular disease have shown the importance of targeting audience subgroups, using many avenues for intervention and integrating messages and programs so that they support each other. These findings should be incorporated into a comprehensive strategy for AIDS prevention as well. 61 references.