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

Comments

Medical student James Anderson participated in this study as part of the Senior Scholars research program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

PubMed ID

23444267

Link to Full Text

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