A survey of attitudes, knowledge, and behavior related to HIV testing of adolescents and young adults enrolled in alcohol and drug treatment

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess attitudes, knowledge, and behavior related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing of adolescents and young adults undergoing treatment for alcohol and drug problems. Setting and subjects were 101 adolescents and young adults enrolled in a New England substance abuse rehabilitation program. All subjects had heard about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and 84% desired an HIV antibody test if it were anonymous and confidential. If found to be HIV positive, 83% stated that they would be less likely to continue substance-abuse treatment, 64% would be more likely to continue drug use, and 62% would be more likely to continue alcohol use. The likelihood of continuing school would decrease for 60%. Sixty percent would be more likely to increase use of condoms. Males were more likely than females to want to leave treatment and school, return to alcohol and drug use, and increase risk-taking behavior ( p < 0.02). These findings suggest that teenagers undergoing treatment for substance-abuse problems require careful and comprehensive pre- and post-test counseling and followup when undergoing HIV antibody testing. Deciding when to test for HIV may impact on the success of substance-abuse treatment, as well as ability to control spread of HIV infection.