[Can adolescents transfer their knowledge about AIDS into their partnership relations?]

The following results are parts of two questionnaires carried out at Fachoberschule Freising in December 1988 and April 1990. The answers from the questions about the HIV-Test showed a considerable lack of detailed knowledge. Only 47% (in December 1988) respectively 20% (in April 1990) could correctly assess the meaning of a negative result of a HIV-Test. The pupils were very knowledgeable concerning the proper use of condoms (85-99%), however the actual usage varied and was strongly dependent on the assumed effect on the partner. Most young people talk about sexuality with their partners. The subject AIDS is discussed less often. If young people are able to talk about sexuality with their partners, 76% mention AIDS as well. But if they can't even talk about sexuality, 84% also avoid the subject AIDS. The consequences for further prevention are shown.