Thematic analysis of Iranian female adolescents' perceptions about HIV/AIDS: A qualitative study

HIV/AIDS continues to be a major global health
problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate common opinions and
beliefs about HIV/AIDS among Iranian teenager girls.
Methods: This Qualitative study (face‑to‑face interviews with tape
recording) was conducted among fifty female teenager school students
in Urmia‑Iran.
Results: The thematic analysis indicated the main information sources
for HIV/AIDS among teenage girls to be their mother and teachers.
The participants had little concern about the dissemination of HIV/
AIDS in Iran. Using a common syringe is mentioned as the main risk
factor for HIV transmission. There were some misconceptions about
the at‑risk group among teenage girls.
Conclusions: Considering the misconceptions among the teenage girls,
their beliefs should be reformed and reorganized in order to reduce the
risk of exposure to HIV. The best practice is training life skills in the
school level