Planned development and evaluation of AIDS/STD education for secondary school students in The Netherlands: short-term effects.
This study evaluated the effects of an AIDS/STD curriculum for 9th- and 10th-grade students in the Netherlands. Curriculum development was based on (1) theory-based need assessments among students and teachers, (2) pilot testing of data-based and theory-based methods and materials, and (3) cooperation between researchers and students, teachers, and gatekeepers within the school system. Using a quasi-experimental design, program effects on students' attitudes, beliefs, and sexual behavior were compared with those of current AIDS/STD education practice. The results indicated that the experimental curriculum had a stronger favorable impact on students' attitudes and beliefs regarding using condoms consistently. Regarding sexual risk behavior, a differential curriculum effect could be demonstrated. These findings support the contention that current AIDS/STD education can be improved by (1) using empirical data, (2) applying multiple theories from the social sciences, and (3) involving representatives within the school system in the development process.
Schaalma
H P
HP
Department of Health Education, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands. h.schaalma@gvo.rulimburg.nl
Kok
G
G
Bosker
R J
RJ
Parcel
G S
GS
Peters
L
L
Poelman
J
J
Reinders
J
J
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012107:Research Design; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*