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New Jersey high school students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding AIDS.
J H Skurnick1, R L Johnson, M A Quinones
1Department of Preventive Medicine & Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103-2757.
Summary
High school students had good knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) but common misperceptions about social risks. Condom use was familiar, yet knowledge didn't always translate to risk-reduction behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding adolescent knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of New Jersey high school students regarding AIDS acquisition.
- To identify gaps in understanding and inform targeted educational interventions.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 1,793 urban and suburban high school students in 1988.
- Data collected on knowledge, perceived risks, attitudes towards condoms, and reported behaviors related to AIDS.
Main Results:
- Students demonstrated high knowledge of AIDS but commonly exaggerated risks from social contacts.
- Nearly half reported condom use, with over 80% believing condoms offer protection.
- Knowledge did not consistently lead to recognition or practice of risk-reduction behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Despite high knowledge, misperceptions about AIDS transmission risks persisted among students.
- Condom use was relatively familiar, but a gap existed between knowledge and behavior.
- Educational interventions addressing specific knowledge gaps and misperceptions are necessary to promote effective risk-reduction behaviors.