YOUTH AND HIV-INFECTION: AWARENESS ON RISRS AND DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURE DEDICATED TO HEALTH AND SAFE BEHAVIOR STRATEGY

Abstract

Epidemic situation in Khabarovsk region as well as in Russia repeats global trends but also has its peculiarities. In order to plan and carry out targeted primary prophylactic measures against HIV-infection between studying and working youth was conducted comparative analysis of awareness levels concerning HIV-infection transmission routes and awareness of available prophylactic measures against infection. Results of the research showed almost equal and relatively satisfactory awareness levels of both study groups. However, students have more knowledge on HIV-infection transmission routes compared to working youth. This fact is associated with extensive awareness campaigns devoted to prophylactic measures in higher educational institutions and secondary specialized colleges. Lack of such prophylactic work among working youth has determined their poor awareness concerning using condoms during unsafe intercourses. Nevertheless, among youth continues to exist certain phobias concerning HIV-infected people as well as escalation of myths regarding certain HIV-infection transmission routes. Was recorded vaguely realizable possibility of testing in order to lower the growth rates of HIV epidemic.