5054.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - Board 1

Abstract #31922

College students in Veracruz, Mexico: HIV/AIDS beliefs and behavioral practices

France Thuy Nguyen, MPH, MA, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 310-836-6625, fnguyen@ucla.edu

The purpose of the study was to describe the sexual activity and condom use as well HIV/AIDS knowledge among bachelor-level, sexually active college students at the University of Veracruz-Xalapa in Mexico. An examination of students' knowledge and attitudes towards condom use and their sexual practices may put them at higher risk for HIV/AIDS even though they demonstrated a high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS (e.g., modes of HIV transmission, prevention strategies of HIV infection, etc.). Therefore, further examination needs to be explored to understand why they continue to put themselves at higher risk for HIV/AIDS since they are engaging in risking sexual behavior (e.g., having sex under the influence of alcohol, unprotected sex, and relations with multiple partners). Research findings can help inform the university of possible areas to include and risk behaviors to address in the future HIV/AIDS prevention program of the University of Veracruz's Student Health Center.

Learning Objectives: 1. List the main form of contraception used among college students. 2. Rank reasons given for not using a condom during sexual intercourse. 3. Describe behaviors that increase students' risks for HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Latinos

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA