Evaluation of the effectiveness of AIDS training and information courses

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is considered to be the major health threat of the 20th century. The only way to contain the spread of AIDS is by prevention of infection in the first place. This task is essentially one of education. Because the South African Institute for Medical Research is traditionally associated with the prevention of infectious diseases, an AIDS Centre was established to promote education. As part of the launching of the Centre in January 1988, a series of four 1-day courses was held for different target groups. Attendance rates were high and all participants completed a pre- and post-test questionnaire designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the courses and identify existing level of knowledge, present needs and possible future demands. Collected data were examined by correlation analysis, the chi-square test and the t-test. Results generally showed improved changes in knowledge and attitudes about AIDS, and pointed the way forward for future education interventions in the community.