Knowledge and attitudes of young people in Guyana to HIV/AIDS

HIV prevalence in Guyana is the third highest in the Caribbean which, in turn, is the second–most-affectedregion in the world. Over 2000 young people aged 12–20 years completed self-report questionnaires that examined theirknowledge of HIV/AIDS, their attitudes to sexual behaviours and their intentions with regard to virginity and use of condoms.Nearly one-quarter of young people aged 12–14 were sexually active and this rose to over one-third for youths aged 15 yearsand over, but condoms were only used consistently by two in five of these persons. Attitudes and intentions towards sexualbehaviour were significantly influenced by religious teaching as well as by gender and age. Hence, prevention strategies forthe spread of HIV/AIDS should harness religious belief and practice, especially in societies such as Guyana where religiousaffiliation remains strong.