Chapter 1: The Extent of the Problem of AIDS and HIV in Adolescents.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Chapter 1: The Extent of the Problem of AIDS and HIV in Adolescents.
Authors:	Tonks, Douglas
Source:	Teaching AIDS. 1997, p1-13. 13p.
Subject Terms:	Teenagers' sexual behavior, Youths' sexual behavior, Age of consent, AIDS in adolescence, Diseases in teenagers, Condoms
People:	Hein, Karen
Abstract:	This article investigates the extent of the problem of AIDS and HIV in adolescents. Dr. Karen Hein, the director of the Adolescent AIDS Program at the Montfiore Medical Center in the Bronx, and perhaps the leading advocate for studying the problem of AIDS among adolescents, suggests that only two factors are necessary for the rapid spread of HIV among teenagers: unprotected sexual intercourse and the presence of the virus. Although adults often refuse to recognize or believe the facts of teenage sexuality, these realities are very difficult to deny. Societies throughout history have generally been unwilling to admit it, but some teenagers have always been active in exploring their sexual identities and abilities. Recent surveys have revealed that three-quarters or more of all teenagers, male and female, have had sexual intercourse before their twentieth birthday. The ages between fifteen and nineteen are the most likely ages for individuals to experiment with multiple partners. When sex is practiced by adolescent couples, the use of condoms or any other sort of contraception is very low. Often up to a year can pass between a teenager's first sexual experience and his or her reliable use of contraception. While various types of contraception can protect against unintended pregnancy, only condoms provide protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well.
Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	This article investigates the extent of the problem of AIDS and HIV in adolescents. Dr. Karen Hein, the director of the Adolescent AIDS Program at the Montfiore Medical Center in the Bronx, and perhaps the leading advocate for studying the problem of AIDS among adolescents, suggests that only two factors are necessary for the rapid spread of HIV among teenagers: unprotected sexual intercourse and the presence of the virus. Although adults often refuse to recognize or believe the facts of teenage sexuality, these realities are very difficult to deny. Societies throughout history have generally been unwilling to admit it, but some teenagers have always been active in exploring their sexual identities and abilities. Recent surveys have revealed that three-quarters or more of all teenagers, male and female, have had sexual intercourse before their twentieth birthday. The ages between fifteen and nineteen are the most likely ages for individuals to experiment with multiple partners. When sex is practiced by adolescent couples, the use of condoms or any other sort of contraception is very low. Often up to a year can pass between a teenager's first sexual experience and his or her reliable use of contraception. While various types of contraception can protect against unintended pregnancy, only condoms provide protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well.
ISBN:	9780415908757