title: Comparison of adolescents' HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy across two cultures.
abstract: This study examines the effectiveness of a HIV/AIDS peer education program, Teens for AIDS Prevention (TAP) in two cultures. A convenience sample of 287 (American and Nepalese) 9th grade students participated in the study. It was found that HIV/AIDS knowledge scores were significantly higher among American adolescents than their Nepalese counterparts only at pre-intervention. American adolescents had significantly higher self-efficacy scores than Nepalese adolescents both at pre-intervention and post-intervention. Adolescent peer education programs could be used to improve adolescent HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy for limiting sexual risk behavior; however for the educational programs to be effective, it is pertinent that the program is culturally appropriate to the target population.
authors.forename: Ganga
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mahat
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Scoloveno
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ayres
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009390:Nepal; D010379:Peer Group; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014481:United States