AIDS: questions from fifth and sixth grade students

Family Medicine resident physicians gave a slide show of information on AIDS to fifth and sixth grade students and their teachers. Throughout the program, students were encouraged to ask questions, which were recorded and categorized. Information on the presentation process, program content, and nature of the questions asked is presented. Through this pilot program, physicians in residency were trained and placed in a setting which allowed them to discuss AIDS with young people. Teachers were exposed to knowledge and techniques useful to their future role as educators concerning AIDS. The use of residents as co-educators in public school classrooms was shown to be an asset in the sometimes difficult, but necessary task of educating this age group about AIDS. More importantly, a unique insight into student perceptions was gained through the careful examination of 400 student questions about AIDS and other sexuality related issues.