Knowledge of HIV/AIDS of Adolescents from Parish 23 de Enero, Caracas, Venezuela

2 A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out to characterize the knowledge of HIV/AIDS of adolescents from Parish 23 de Enero, Libertador Municipality, Capital District, Venezuela, from January 2007 to January 2008. Out of a universe of 1 256 adolescents, we selected a random sample of 450 to be later surveyed anonymously. Results showed early sexual relations, and an elevated number of STD’s diagnoses. The group of age 14 – 17 was the most representative, with little information provided by the mass media, school, and family. An unfinished elementary education, an elevated intake of alcohol and tobacco, and lower stratum of society were predominant aspects. Knowledge was mostly categorized as regular. 3