The Impact of self-concept and Self-esteem in Adolescents’ Knowledge about HIV/AIDS

BackgroundA high self-concept fosters a better sense of self-efficacy, enhancing learning strategies that facilitate information processing. Risky sexual behaviours are highlighted among the attitudes and behaviours associated with low self- esteem or self-concept.ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between socio-demographic, school context and psychological variables (self-esteem and self-concept) with knowledge about HIV/AIDS among adolescents in secondary education in Portugal.MethodsQuantitative, cross-sectional, analytical, descriptive and correlational study, with a sample of 971 adolescents in secondary education. The evaluation protocol includes: the socio-demographic questionnaire, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (Romano, Negreiro & Martins, 2007), the Self-Concept Clinical Inventory (Vaz Serra, 1984), and the Knowledge Scale about AIDS for Adolescents (Zimet et al., 1989).ResultsAdolescents aged 14-21 have high self-esteem (47.40%) and high self-concept (45.30%). Adolescents with high self-esteem show more knowledge (mean = 15.36, sd = 4.28), and those who have low self-esteem have less knowledge (mean = 13.20, sd = 5.89). The differences between groups are significant (f = 21,695; p = 0.000). When we analyse self-concept we conclude, that adolescents with high self-concept are those which show more knowledge; on the other hand, adolescents with low self-concept are those with less knowledge. Furthermore, note that the differences are between low and moderate self-concept (p = 0.000) and low and high self-concept (p = 0.000).ConclusionAmong attitudes and behaviours related to low self-esteem and self-concept are risk behaviours in the context of sexuality – non-use or inconsistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse. The HIV/AIDS infection was responsible for significant changes in the health field giving rise to the discussion of sexual behaviours associated with beliefs, values and myths because it is a disease whose transmission is very directly related to sexuality.