CHARACTERISTICS OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS WITH MULTIPLE RISK-FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIV AIDS

Multiple risk factors in young African-Americans have tremendous impli cations for the spread of AIDS. Two hundred forty-two heterosexual col lege students were classified as having low, moderate, or high risk fo r HN infection based upon their self-reported sexual practices. Result s indicated that subjects differed in AIDS knowledge and attitudes tow ard condoms with respect to both Gender and Risk level, with men and H igh Risk individuals being less knowledgeable and having more negative attitudes than their female and Low Risk counterparts respectively in teraction effects revealed that High Risk men were less knowledgeable than both Low Risk men and High Risk women. High Risk men as well as H igh and Low Risk women reported more anger surrounding condom usage th an Low Risk men. Low perceptions of vulnerability for AIDS were reflec ted in the entire sample. The implications of this study for primary P revention and future research are discussed.