Psychological Factors that Facilitate HIV Infection among Youth

There are various psychological factors like peer pressure, HIV knowledge, attitude towards sexuality, self-esteem and risk taking behaviors were the significant predictors of HIV risk perception in youth. The findings suggest that youth who have high level of peer pressure, low level of HIV knowledge, high attitude towards sexuality, low level of self-esteem and high on risk taking behaviors are more vulnerable towards HIV risk. There was a significant gender difference in level of HIV risk perception, HIV knowledge, peer pressure, attitude towards alcohol and drug, attitude towards sexuality, and risk taking behaviors. The finding suggest that male and female differs in the level of HIV risk perception, HIV knowledge, peer pressure, attitude towards alcohol and drug, attitude towards sexuality and risk taking behaviors. This further suggests that these psychological factors might be the reason behind the high level of HIV risk perception among male as compared to their counterpart females.