Document 1855
 DOCN  M94A1855
 TI    Assessing the role of traditional Balinese youth groups (STT'S) in AIDS
       prevention programs.
 DT    9412
 AU    Merati TP; Suarmiartha E; Ruddick AC; Ekstrand M; Mandel J; Udayana Univ
       AIDS Study Grp, Indonesia.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):436 (abstract no. PD0351). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370720
 AB    OBJECTIVES: 1) To assess the role of existing youth groups in the
       Balinese banjar system (STT's) to conduct AIDS peer education programs.
       2) To assess AIDS-related knowledge, norms and misconceptions to be used
       for intervention development. METHODS: An anonymous self-administered
       questionnaire was given to a cross-section of STT members from four main
       resort areas in Bali. The present analysis includes baseline data on
       knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention strategies, and peer condom
       use among young adults. RESULTS: Data collected from 285 respondents
       (ages 16-25) revealed high levels of knowledge regarding main routes of
       HIV transmission, but misconceptions about contagion through public
       facilities (e.g. swimming pools, 37%, bathrooms, 42%). Consequently, 47%
       believe HIV-infected persons should be isolated. Although 81% believe
       condom use is the most effective way to prevent STD's , 53% feel
       uncomfortable buying condoms, 55% are embarrassed to carry condoms and
       47% do not know how to use condoms correctly. While 76% of subjects
       believe their same-aged peers are sexually active, only 6% report that
       all of their peers use condoms. Other prevention methods endorsed
       include imbibing traditional herbs (26%) and cleansing genitalia with
       toothpaste (15%). A vast majority of young adults report that they could
       speak to friends and lovers about sex (70%), STD's (64%), and AIDS
       (70%). CONCLUSIONS: Common misconceptions about modes of HIV
       transmission, low perceived prevalence of condom use, and stigmatization
       of HIV-infected persons underline the urgent need for AIDS prevention
       programs targeting young adults. Conducting these programs through STT's
       appears highly feasible given the high willingness among peers to
       communicate about sex, STD's, and AIDS.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL  Adolescence
       Adult  Health Education  Human  Indonesia  *Knowledge, Attitudes,
       Practice  Peer Group  Sex Behavior  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).