AIDS: questions from fifth and sixth grade students.

Area of Science:

• Public Health Education
• Medical Education
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Educating young students about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is crucial but challenging.
• Physicians in residency require practical experience in communicating sensitive health topics to diverse age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a pilot program where Family Medicine residents educated elementary students about AIDS.
• To assess the effectiveness of residents as co-educators in public school settings.
• To gain insights into student understanding and perceptions of AIDS through analyzing their questions.

Main Methods:

• Family Medicine residents delivered an educational slideshow on AIDS to fifth and sixth graders.
• Student questions regarding AIDS and sexuality were encouraged, recorded, and categorized.
• The presentation process, content, and nature of student inquiries were documented.

Main Results:

• Residents received training and practical experience in discussing AIDS with young people.
• Teachers gained knowledge and techniques for future AIDS education.
• Analysis of 400 student questions provided unique insights into their perceptions of AIDS and related issues.

Conclusions:

• Utilizing resident physicians as co-educators is an effective strategy for teaching young students about AIDS.
• This program successfully trained residents and equipped teachers with valuable educational tools.
• Examining student-generated questions offers a unique window into adolescent understanding of health topics.