HIV Knowledge and Risk among Deaf Adolescents

Funding Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Funding Period: 2005-2010
Principal Investigator: Marjorie F. Goldstein, Ph.D.
CDUHR Co-Investigator(s): Elizabeth Eckhardt, Ph.D.
Project Director: Patrice Joyner, M.S.W.
Other Project Staff: Roberta Berry (Senior Research Assistant); Heather Paradise (Administrative Assistant)

There has been little systematic research examining HIV prevalence, knowledge and risk behavior among deaf individuals. The available information suggests that among the deaf, compared to the hearing population, HIV prevalence and behavioral risk are higher and HIV knowledge is lower. Deaf adolescents who attend schools for the deaf receive little HIV or sex education and lack access to other sources of HIV/AIDS information (print and sound media), in part due to low English literacy levels. In addition, many do not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV.

This study assessed HIV knowledge and risk behaviors among deaf adolescents in high schools for the deaf where American Sign Language (ASL) is used. The project: 1) developed a survey to measure HIV/AIDS knowledge, risk behavior, attitudes towards persons with HIV/AIDS, self-perceived risk for HIV and parent/child communication (ASL ability of the parent); 2) translated the survey into ASL using a cross-cultural translation team approach; 3) videotaped and transferred the survey onto portable notebook computers to be self administered; 4) administered the survey at 11 high schools for the deaf in four regions of the United States. Findings will fill a gap in the literature regarding knowledge and risk behaviors among deaf adolescents. A report will be developed to identify information gaps, identify subgroups in need of interventions, and make recommendations for HIV prevention interventions.

This project will be the first to allow deaf high school students to take an anonymous standardized survey on HIV, drug use and sexual risk in their own language.