What do Czech adolescents know about HIV?

OBJECTIVE: During last years, a significant increase of HIV infection transmitted through sexual intercourse among young adults has been reported in the Czech Republic. The issue of prevention, where sexual education belongs to an important preventive tool, is much more topical than ever before. The level of knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS among adolescents has not been assessed so far. The aim of our study was to explore this field in a nationally representative sample.

METHODS: Information was obtained using an anonymous questionnaire that was filled in by 1,627 adolescents 13 to 15 years old selected from a representative sample of 25 elementary and grammar schools in the Czech Republic.

RESULTS: Based on the survey results, good knowledge regarding primary HIV/AIDS prevention was noted in the majority of respondents who however tended to stigmatize HIV positive people.

CONCLUSION: The study has confirmed the importance of school as the main source of information (reported by 50.8% of respondents). The result of our study can serve as a starting point in assessment and comparison of the effect of various educational programmes.