Sexual behaviour change associated with a college HIV course

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Education
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain significant global health challenges.
• Understanding and mitigating HIV transmission requires effective educational interventions targeting at-risk populations, particularly young adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary, multimedia college course, "The HIV Pandemic and AIDS," on student knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
• To assess changes in risk-related behaviors and perceived vulnerability to HIV infection among students completing the course.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was employed, utilizing pre- and post-questionnaires.
• Participants included students enrolled in the HIV course (N=131) and two comparable control groups.
• Data were collected on sexual behaviors, condom use, and HIV-related knowledge and attitudes.

Main Results:

• Course participants demonstrated significant positive changes in risk-related behaviors compared to the control group.
• Students in the HIV course reported increased rates of discussing safe sex with partners and greater selectivity in partner choice.
• Participants showed a reduction in perceived vulnerability to HIV infection post-course.

Conclusions:

• The "HIV Pandemic and AIDS" course effectively enhanced students' understanding and promoted safer sexual practices.
• Educational interventions can positively influence attitudes and behaviors, contributing to HIV prevention efforts.
• The transtheoretical model of change offers a framework for developing future HIV prevention courses, addressing issues like presumed monogamy.