Title
Adolescent and young adult understanding of the differences between chlamydia, HIV, and AIDS
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Pediatrics; Meyers Primary Care Institute; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences
Publication Date
2013-4
Document Type
Article
Subjects
Chlamydia trachomatis; Chlamydia Infections; HIV; HIV Infections; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Young Adult
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Health Services Research | Pediatrics | Public Health
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore young people's understanding of the differences between Chlamydia, HIV, and AIDS.
METHODS. Participants from a hospital-based adolescent clinic completed a self-administered written survey. Three questions assessed participants' understanding of the differences between Chlamydia, HIV, and AIDS.
RESULTS: Nearly half of the 119 participants selected "No" or "Don't know" when asked if there are differences between Chlamydia and HIV and between HIV and AIDS. Increasing age was associated with correct response.
CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of youth in this sample did not know that there are differences between Chlamydia, HIV, and AIDS. Previous research suggests that some young people are afraid to be screened for Chlamydia because they fear that a Chlamydia diagnosis has the same ramifications as an AIDS diagnosis. Findings from this study indicate that more education about the differences between Chlamydia, HIV, and AIDS is needed.
DOI of Published Version
10.1177/0009922813479162
Source
Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2013 Apr;52(4):351-4. doi: 10.1177/0009922813479162. Link to article on publisher's site
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Clinical pediatrics
Related Resources
PubMed ID
23444267
Repository Citation
Anderson, James G.; Lemay, Celeste A.; Maranda, Louise S.; and Blake, Diane R., "Adolescent and young adult understanding of the differences between chlamydia, HIV, and AIDS" (2013). Meyers Primary Care Institute Publications and Presentations. 661.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/meyers_pp/661
Comments
Medical student James Anderson participated in this study as part of the Senior Scholars research program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.