An evaluation of a school-based AIDS/HIV education program for high school students.
The effect of a 1-hr school-based AIDS/HIV education program on the knowledge and attitudes of high school students was evaluated with a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control Health Risk Survey. One urban and one suburban school each were randomly assigned to an educational intervention (n = 535) or a control group (n = 659). All students received a posttest 2 weeks after the intervention. Knowledge was based on responses to 12 true-false questions (pretest alpha = .76, posttest alpha = 0.81). Principal components analysis was used to develop three attitude scales and risk-taking behavior was assessed by self-report. Data were analyzed with Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate ANOVA. The groups did not differ in knowledge level at pretest. At posttest the education group had significantly (p < or = 0.006) higher knowledge even after controlling for the effects of previous AIDS education (p < or = 0.019), gender (p < or = 0.007), and Hispanic ethnicity (p < or = 0.048). After the education program, students were less worried about exposure to the AIDS virus, but were more worried (p < or = 0.048) about AIDS acquisition during their adult life. Although single school-based AIDS/HIV education programs may increase knowledge, more extensive education may be needed to change the behavior and attitudes of older high school students.
Ashworth
C S
CS
Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
DuRant
R H
RH
Newman
C
C
Gaillard
G
G
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*