Profiles of HIV-related knowledge and self-regulation factors in at-risk pre-adolescents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Disrupted self-regulation can increase youths’ risk for substance use and HIV acquisition. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore profiles among 124 youth ages 11–13 who had impulse control disorders. LPA was based on self-regulation factors and three HIV/AIDS-specific domains: AIDS-related knowledge; perceived severity of AIDS; and worry about HIV. LPA identified four profiles: 1) low knowledge/low regulation; 2) low perceived severity/high regulation; 3) high knowledge/low regulation; and 4) moderate knowledge/moderate regulation. Youth with the highest HIV/AIDS knowledge showed the highest impulsivity, emotion dysregulation, and violence exposure. Youth may benefit from tailored prevention based on HIV-related knowledge/beliefs and self-regulation.