Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and secondary school students: their knowledge is limited and they want to learn...

Information was gathered from 657 junior high school and senior high school students in two Connecticut school districts regarding their knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although many students had some factual knowledge about the virus that causes AIDS, many students were misinformed about methods of viral transmission, high-risk groups for acquiring AIDS, and methods to avoid acquisition of the virus. Most students did not recognize the existence of a carrier state. Responses from students of different grades, ages, sexes, races, and school districts differed rarely and without apparent pattern. Students reported that they had learned about AIDS mostly from television or radio (57%) or magazines or newspapers (16%); few had learned from persons with whom they had frequent contact, such as parents (6%) or teachers (4%). Seventy-four percent of students said they wanted to learn more about AIDS, and 49% said they wanted to learn it in school. Results of this study indicated that students' knowledge about AIDS is not adequate, students wish to learn more, and information about AIDS should be presented in public schools.