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This article explores relationships between acculturation status, HIV/AIDS knowledge, and perceived risk of HIV infection among a selected group of Mexican American youth from a large Southwestern city. The vulnerability, risk and resiliency model served as the theoretical framework for the research. Students exhibiting lower acculturation levels were significantly less knowledgeable about HIV/ AIDS and felt at a significantly higher risk for HIV infection than their more acculturated classmates. Lower acculturation had a temporary resiliency effect on the female students. The implications of these findings for future research, policy development, prevention programs and social work practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]