The ASHA national HIV education needs assessment of health and education professionals

The self-reported HIV education needs of teachers, PTA presidents, school administrators, school nurses, school board members, school counselors, and physicians (N = 2,855) were investigated. Resources, policy, training, and knowledge needs were assessed. Greatest reported needs for HIV resources included books, pamphlets, journal articles, films, and videos. More than half the respondents needed information on how to promote school health education programs as well as information on how to coordinate school-based HIV education programs with community, health, religious, and youth agencies. Respondents also indicated a need for model HIV policies on confidentiality, grade level appropriate HIV education, attendance for infected staff and students, and handling blood or body fluids. Training needs included updates on homosexuality and bisexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, risk behaviors for HIV transmission, intravenous drug use, death and dying, safer sex practices, and communicating about HIV with a sexual partner. Knowledge about HIV generally was high, but gaps were apparent regarding effects of HIV on the brain, transmission issues, prevention practices, and HIV antibody testing. Eighty-seven percent believed school-based health education is effective in preventing the spread of HIV. Respondents felt primary responsibility for conducting HIV education should rest with teachers (36%), parents (27%), and school nurses (26%).