Changes in HIV-related information sources, instruction, knowledge, and behaviors among US high school students, 1989 and 1990.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. Few data have been available among adolescents to determine behavioral changes that may prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This analysis examines changes in the prevalence of self-reported HIV-related information sources, instruction, knowledge, and behaviors among high school students in the United States. METHODS. Two independent, multistage national probability samples of students in grades 9 through 12 were surveyed in 1989 (n = 8098) and 1990 (n = 11,631) with self-administered, anonymous questionnaires that included similar items. RESULTS. Compared with students surveyed in 1989, a significantly greater proportion of students surveyed in 1990 had received HIV instruction in school. Significant decreases were found in the proportion of White and female students who reported having had sexual intercourse, in the proportion of White students reporting two or more lifetime sex partners, and in the proportion of 15- and 16-year-olds, White students, and female students who reported having had four or more lifetime sex partners. For both years, students who had a greater level of HIV knowledge were less likely to have had multiple lifetime sex partners or to have injected illicit drugs. CONCLUSIONS. The findings suggest that school-based HIV education and knowledge may be contributing factors in reducing certain risk behaviors that can lead to HIV transmission among secondary school youth.

Knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS among Iranian students

“…There should also be a big push to increase teaching efforts in schools. This type of information is also recommended in other studies [[23,26] and [27]]. There is considerable rationale to include HIV/AIDS education as an integral part of high school curriculum.…”

Existe relação entre o conhecimento de estudantes a respeito das formas de contágio do HIV/AIDS e suas respostas sobre a proximidade com soropositivos?

“…A study with students from a university in rural São Paulo revealed that 90% of young people said that transmission may occur through injectable drugs; 84% said through blood transfusion; 67%, said through sexual secretions; and 22% said through saliva 16 . However, literature shows that many young people still have doubts about vertical transmission and transmission through saliva and insect bites 16,17 . Although data collection instruments are different in the research on the subject, some of the questions about ways of transmission are seen in all of them 16,17 .…”

“…However, literature shows that many young people still have doubts about vertical transmission and transmission through saliva and insect bites 16,17 . Although data collection instruments are different in the research on the subject, some of the questions about ways of transmission are seen in all of them 16,17 .…”

Health Education at Family Planning Clinics: Strategies for Improving Information About Contraception and Sexually Transmitted Diseases for Low-Income Women

“…Studies conducted since then have examined this topic among adolescents on several health issues including HIV-AIDS (Baird, 1993;Holtzman et al, 1994) and drug use (Mayton, Nagel, & Parker, 1990;Mirzaee, Kingery, Pruitt, Heuberger, & Hurley, 1991;and Lamarine, 1993). However, fewer studies have examined the sources of health information among adults on various health issues.…”