Prevalence of HIV,STD,Drung Use, and Sexual Behavior among Adolescents and Young Adults in Northern Thailand:Results of an Innovative Research Technology (ความชุกของการติดเชื้อ เอชไอวี กามโรค การใช้ยาเสพย์ติดและพฤติกรรมทางเพศ ในกลุ่มวัยรุ่นและหนุ่มสาว ฯ)

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV,STD, drug use, and risk behaviors of adolescents and young adults in schools in Chiang Rai province. This crosssectional study employed a new technique for data collection by having participants directly answer questions to an Audio-computer assisted self interviewing (Audio-CASI) in conjunction with laboratory testing.Of 1,725 students (893 male, 832 female), prevalence of chlamydial infection was 2.5% among males and 3.2% among females,while prevalence of chlamydial infection was 2.5% among males and 3.2% among females, while prevalence of gonococcal and HIV infection were low (<0.5%) in both sexes. Urine testing for methamphetamines was positive in 14.3% of males, and 5.9% of females. About half of both male and female students had sexual intercourse. Many used ineffective contraceptive methods,resulting in a high frequency of unwanted pregnancy and abortion.Sexual coercion was commonly reported.The results of this study demonstrate that it is feasible to use this new technique for data collection coupled with laboratory testing among students. A good correlation between the questionnaire and the biological markers was witnessed, and the two methods are complementary.