HIV EDUCATION FOR TEENS AND PRETEENS IN A HIGH-SEROPREVALENCE INNER-CITY NEIGHBORHOOD

In several New York City neighborhoods more than 1 in 10 adults and ad olescents are infected with HIV. Children in these neighborhoods are e xposed both directly and indirectly to the effects of the HIV epidemic . Exploratory group interviews were conducted to discover the HIV-rela ted concerns of adolescent and preadolescent girls and boys living in a high-seroprevalence neighborhood and to specify the context within w hich children experienced those concerns. Results indicated that expla nations about HIV focusing only on transmission and transmission preve ntion, whether in educational or family settings, may ignore compellin g concerns of youth. Both risk of HIV and loss of neighbors and relati ves to HIV permeate daily life but in a way that prevents open discuss ion. Children are eager to talk about social and personal issues regar ding HIV.