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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
Adolescent optimistic bias toward HIV/AIDS in Seoul, South Korea
Aeree Sohn1, Sungsoo Chun, Easton A Reid
1Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea. aeree@syu.ac.kr
Abstract:
The reported rates of HIV/AIDS cases and risky sexual behaviors have increased among adolescents in South Korea. This study reports the presence, impact, and development of optimistic bias toward HIV/AIDS in Korean adolescents. Survey data from 2996 participants were randomly collected from 8 high school and 8 middle school students in Seoul, South Korea. This study found that Korean high and middle school students had greater optimistic bias toward HIV/AIDS compared with their peers (P = .000). Involvement (r = -0.19; P < .01) decreased optimistic bias, whereas self-esteem (r = 0.13; P < .01) and self-control (r = 0.22; P < .01) increased it. Univariate analysis results indicated that gender and academic performance significantly influenced optimistic bias. However, according to hierarchical multiple regression, this significance was lost, and involvement, self-esteem, and self-control exerted a greater effect. Equipping Korean adolescents with involvement, awareness, and tailored interventions will reduce optimistic bias and yield greater protection against HIV/AIDS.
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