Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome educational program: effects on adolescents' knowledge and attitudes

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Education
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Many schools implement acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education for adolescents.
• Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of these AIDS education programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of lecture-based and film-based AIDS education programs versus a no-program control group.
• To assess the impact of different program formats on adolescent knowledge, attitudes toward AIDS patients, and attitudes toward preventive behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Adolescents were assigned to a lecture-based program, a film-based program, or a control group.
• Knowledge and attitudes were measured immediately after the program (posttest) and one month later (follow-up).

Main Results:

• The lecture group showed significantly greater knowledge gains than the film or control groups, with gains maintained at follow-up.
• Both program groups showed significant increases in positive attitudes toward AIDS patients, which persisted at follow-up.
• Attitudes toward practicing preventive behaviors showed a slight, temporary increase in program groups but returned to baseline.

Conclusions:

• Lecture-based AIDS education is more effective for increasing adolescent knowledge than film-based education.
• Current educational programs can improve knowledge and attitudes toward individuals with AIDS but are insufficient to promote preventive behaviors.
• More intensive interventions may be required to influence adolescent preventive behaviors regarding AIDS.