HIV infection: a retrospective analysis of adolescent high-risk behaviors

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively ascertain behaviors and activities that may constitute high risk during the adolescent years (ages 12-18) of young adults (ages 20-25) who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Subjects (n = 44) from 1 of 5 clinics in a large midwestern city completed a survey form, developed by the investigators, which examined 6 areas of behavior and activities that the literature suggested may be associated with high-risk behaviors.

The adolescent high-risk profile of an HIV-infected young man includes sexual abuse before the age of 12 years, heavy consumption of alcohol, heavy consumption of a variety of illicit drugs, a wide variety of sexual experiences at very young ages, and multiple sexual partners. The adolescent high-risk profile of an HIV-infected young woman in this study includes heavy consumption of alcohol, heavy consumption of a variety of illicit drugs, and unprotected vaginal intercourse at very young ages as evidenced by a high number of sexually transmitted diseases at very young ages.

Although the small number of participants in this study restricts interpretation of the results, adolescent health initiatives should be examined in light of these findings. Programs and services must consider the context of psychosocial situations, as well as past experiences, and incorporate this knowledge into prevention strategies.