Effects of subject variables on attitude change and knowledge acquisition in an AIDS education program

The need for improved knowledge and attitudes about HIV infection and HIV-infected clients has been documented, as has the effectiveness of AIDS education programs in affecting change in these characteristics of health care workers. Analyzing a sample of 336 health care providers, the current study assessed the impact of subject variables on knowledge and attitude change for health care providers after educational programs of 4 to 8 hours. Results indicated that several subject characteristics were significantly related to pretest levels of attitudes and knowledge. However, these same subject variables did not affect the degree of change on the attitude and knowledge scales. The importance of AIDS educators understanding the impact of subject variables on change is discussed.