Abstract
Risk-reduction programs to restrict spread of AIDS to adolescents should be based on current knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among teenagers.
A 51 item true/false questionnaire was given anonymously to 723 arbitrarily selected students in an inner city High School. Percent of affirmative answers was computed for whole group and for 3 factors: sex, grade & class standing.
The majority knew: etiology (72%); immune effects (83%); prognosis (90%); and transmission in high risk groups (74-90%), but 70% felt blood donors also at risk. 84% favored mandatory screening for homosexual men, 77% for drug addicts, 52% for armed forces but only 48% would choose confidential screening for themselves. Half favored local treatment centers while 46% of ♂ and 35% ♀ favored school exclusion.
For group comparisons, differences with a p<.01 are reported. Twice as many ♀ (8%) as ♂ (4%) knew someone with AIDS. More ♂ (50%) than ♀ (36%) thought condoms prevent AIDS. Honors, regular, remedial students reported fear of personal susceptibility (60%, 62%, 74%), would consider confidential screening (38%, 48%, 63%), and expected imminent cure (35%, 42%, 50%).
Our pilot survey documents areas of misperception, fear and variable levels of factual knowledge. Differences between sexes and school achievement groups can be used as a basis for designing more effective educational interventions.
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Reuben, N., Hein, K., Drucker, E. et al. ASSESSING ADOLESCENTS FOR AIDS INFORMATION. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 177 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00064
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00064