RISK ASSESSMENT FOR HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS AMONG PREGNANT HISPANIC ADOLESCENTS

Inner-city adolescents are believed to be at increased risk for HIV in fection because of their high-risk behaviors, and black and Hispanic t eenagers may be at greatest risk as a consequence of these behaviors a nd inadequate AIDS education. In the present paper, the HIV risk statu s of pregnant Hispanic adolescents presenting for prenatal care to an inner-city municipal outpatient clinic located in New York City was as sessed. The assessment consisted of a confidential structured intervie w. Based on known adult risk factors, adolescents were identified as b eing at increased risk or low risk. One-third of the 87 teenagers were identified as being at increased risk for HIV infection. Nobody repor ted symptoms suggestive of AIDS, had had a transfusion, or reported us e of intravenous drugs or crack cocaine. Sexual risk-taking behavior w as the most common factor that increased HIV risk. Sixteen adolescents were at increased risk solely because of a sexually transmitted disea se and seven others reported an STD with at least one other risk facto r. Although 86% of the pregnant teenagers reported the risk-taking beh avior of substance use by self or partner, only four were at increased risk based on this factor alone. However, many adolescents were unawa re of their partners' past substance use and sexual history and, there fore, may have underestimated their own risk. Birthplace (United State s vs. foreign born) and nationality (Puerto Rican vs. non-Puerto Rican Hispanic) were significantly associated with the adolescents' HIV ris k assessment via an interaction effect. None of the adolescents had pr eviously considered themselves to be at increased risk for HIV infecti on. The overwhelming majority who were at increased risk declined refe rral for further counseling or testing. It is recommended that pregnan t Hispanic adolescents be assessed for HIV risk and receive risk reduc tion counseling as part of their general health care.