Risky behavior among youth in Iran
F. Hejazi, F. Ramezani Tehrani, M. Rostami Dovom, Sh. Djalalinia
NRCRH, Deputy of Research & Technology, MOHME, Tehran, Iran
Objectives: 1/7 milliard of Population world are 10–24 youth. Half
of all new HIV infections occur among 15–24 years old and one out of two young
people start smoking. These health problems could be prevented or significantly
reduced through effective school health and youth health programme. We
considered a survey for finding the attitude and practice of youth regardly
high-risk behaviours.
Materials and methods: Our study was a descriptive cross-sectional one
which was conducted in 3 cities of Iran, Islamshahr city, Saravan city and
Astara port. Sample was chosen among 15–25 y.o unmarried boys and girls which
choosed through systematic random sampling and data collection was performed by
self-questionnaire.
Results: AIDs was the most common known STDs. About 1/3 of subjects
didn’t know any signs and symptoms of STDs. About 10–30% of subjects didn’t
know any kind of AIDs trasmission ways. About 2/3 of subjects knew about HIV
transmission through sexual contact with infected person or injection by a used
needle. About 1/3 of subject didn’t know that a healthy looking person could
be infected with HIV. About 1/4 of subjects have misconception about AIDs
transmission pattern. Burning on urination was the most common known symptoms of
STDs among subjects. Almost all of the subjects was agree with community
orientation about STDs/AIDs and their prevention methods. About 80% of subjects
knew the condom. 40% of subject knew the preventive effect of condom in STDs/AIDs
transmission. The main reason for not using the condom was losing sexual
pleasure. 50–80% of subjects were agreed with making friendly relationship
between girls and boys, 10–30% subjects were about agreed with having
sometimes sexual relationship with their opposite sex friends.
Conclusion: 37% of the population in Iran (26 million) are 10–24
youths. In regard to high risk behaviour in youth and incomplete information
about STDs/AIDs, it is priority to consider appropriate reproductive health
programme for them.
