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The prevalence of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased among children and young adults between the ages of 13 to 21 years old. The risk of HIV infection is increased as a result of unsafe sexual practices and drug use. Factors that contribute to the development of high-risk behavior such as drug abuse include unfavorable life conditions, including family disruption, exposure to crime, inadequate family support, problems at school, psychological distress, and low self-esteem. The factors that increase the risk of AIDS-related behavior among adolescents were assessed by survey. The study involved 1,091 high school students who lived near an AIDS epicenter, that is, a geographic location where the prevalence of AIDS is fairly high. Twenty-five percent of students reported that they had been involved in some form of high-risk behavior by the age of 15 years, whereas 3 percent of students admitted to involvement in very high-risk behavior. A combination of psychological stressors, such as unfavorable life conditions and poor parental support; other behavioral problems, such as drug abuse and school problems; and higher self-esteem contributed to a greater tendency to engage in high-risk behavior. These findings suggest that efforts to prevent AIDS among high school students should focus on the provision of counseling and the study of participation in high-risk behavior. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Abstract. In this survey, the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors concerning acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in a group (N = 196) of inner-city adolescents in New York City were assessed. Sexual activity was the major risk factor for AIDS in this population; 58% of the adolescents had engaged in sexual intercourse; 12% of these had never used contraception. There were small reported rates of homosexuality, anal intercourse, and prostitution. Of respondents, 22% reported alcohol use and 22% had tried recreational drugs. None had ever taken drugs intravenously. Knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission was generally good, although there were prominent misconceptions. For example, 52% of the adolescents believed that donating blood could transmit HIV. Of respondents, 47% "never" or "rarely" worried about the disease. Of the total group, 39% reported behavior changes because of concern about AIDS in the previous 6 months. Those who changed behaviors tended to have a greater perceived risk, worry more frequently about the disease, and have a better knowledge of means of HIV transmission. Of those reporting behavior changes, 66% (25% of the total study group) claimed to be using condoms currently, and 16% (6% of the total study group) claimed to be abstemious. More black adolescents than Hispanic adolescents instituted behavior changes. Of black female adolescents, 71% were sexually active, as compared with 30% of Hispanic female adolescents. Assessment of beliefs in methods of risk reduction indicated that although female adolescents were more likely to believe that condoms were a good way to decrease their risk of acquiring HIV, those who were sexually active were less likely than men to institute the behavior change of... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, new technology and media have changed the way we communicate, access information, and share content with one another. Most 12- to 17-year-olds now own cell phones, and most adolescents and young adults spend several hours per day on computers and cell phones. The American Academy of Pediatrics now encourages all pediatricians to increase their knowledge of new media and technology. This article details technology access among adolescents and young adults, highlights several current and potential innovative applications for new technology and social networking in health promotion, and discusses issues to consider as practitioners move toward integrating new media into clinical and health education settings.

Adolescent and young adult males, especially those who are economically and socially marginalized, need greater access to "male-friendly" health services. Engaging young males in health education and clinical services is challenging but feasible and is of vital importance not only for young men, but also their families, their communities, and the nation. Health and social service providers can play vital roles in promoting the health and well-being of young men by developing mutually respectful collaborations that break down the silos separating medical, educational, juvenile justice, social service, and other systems. We present the interdisciplinary clinic- and community-based initiatives developed by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and New York-Presbyterian Hospital that connect young males to clinical and health education services and empower them to choose behaviors that promote their health. We describe our "empowerment approach" to working with young men that recognizes the powerful influence of gender on utilization of health services, emphasizes the importance of a strengths-based perspective, and reframes the context of help seeking from passive participation to active engagement.

Although e-mail has become a popular means of communication among consumers, particularly youth, available evidence suggests that current use of this modality to facilitate communication between consumers and their health providers is relatively modest. Historically, structural and legal issues have provided substantial impediments; however, new developments in providing secure and protected mechanisms for transmitting and delivering e-mail messages may pave the way to enhance use and improve communication.

Electronic health records have been recognized as essential for improving clinical documentation, coordination, and management of health care in addition to lowering costs and improving patient safety. In recent years, there has been a significant impetus for promoting the adoption of electronic health records, as evidenced by the numerous public and private initiatives across the United States. However, currently available electronic health records have not focused on the unique clinical, psychosocial, and health educational needs and requirements of the adolescent age group. In this chapter we discuss briefly the history, development, and adoption of electronic health records and provide examples of how electronic health records can be extended to focus on the needs of adolescents and those who care for them.

Youth development programs have the potential to positively impact psychosocial growth and maturation in young adults. Several youth development programs are capitalizing on youths' natural gravitation toward technology as well. Research has shown that youth view technology and technologic literacy as positive and empowering, and that youth who master technology have increased self-esteem and better socioeconomic prospects than their counterparts. Technology-centered youth development programs offer a unique opportunity to engage youth, thereby extending their social networks, enhancing their access to information, building their self-esteem, and improving their self-efficacy. This article provides an overview of the intersection between youth development and technology and illustrates the ways technology can be used as a cutting-edge tool for youth development.