HIV-risk behaviors in adolescent substance abusers

Thirty adolescents aged 12-18 years from each group (substance use disorders, psychiatric disorders, and controls) were assessed to explore HIV-risk behaviors and knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Semi-structured instruments for psychiatric and substance use disorders were also administered. There were no significant differences between groups in knowledge of HIV/AIDS. However, chi-square analysis of risk behaviors revealed significant differences between the substance use disorders group and the controls. The knowledge-behavior gap was greater for the substance users than all other groups, in that while they knew an equal amount about HIV/AIDS, they actually engaged in more risky sexual behaviors than the other two groups. It may be that the impulsivity associated with substance use disorders accounts for this difference. It is recommended that HIV/AIDS prevention education and impulse control strategies are included in the treatment of adolescents with substance use disorders.