Understanding Perceptions of HIV Risk among Adolescents in Kwa Zulu-Natal

Naomi Rutenberg, Population Council
Kate MacIntyre, Tulane University
Lisanne Brown, Tulane University
Ali Karim, Tulane University

The study, "Transitions to Adulthood in the Context of AIDS in South Africa," shows differing perceptions of risk - both accurate and inaccurate - among adolescents in Kwa Zulu-Natal. An array of behaviors and environmental factors influence adolescents' self-perception of risk, including abstinence, unprotected sexual intercourse, accidents, the extent of disclosure and discussion of HIV/AIDS in a community, and community perceptions of risk. In our paper, we use data from the "Transitions" study to first report how adolescents in Kwa Zulu-Natal in South Africa describe their level of risk, the rationale for their perceptions, and the consistency between their risk perceptions and their behavior. We then explore how individual and household characteristics and their community and school environments are associated with accurate and inaccurate risk perception. We conclude with a discussion of how these results can guide HIV/AIDS behavior change programs.