An experimental evaluation of an AIDS educational intervention for WIC mothers

The purpose of this study is to determine which of two educational approaches have the greater effect on the AIDS/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and attitudes of women participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. A modified version of the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) 1989 Health Risk Survey was administered to 217 women, who were then randomly assigned to either a control group receiving the usual written material, a nurse-educated group, or a videotape-educated group. The questionnaires were repeated immediately after and 2 months after the intervention. Chi square, Kruskall-Wallis ANOVA, and a repeated measures ANOVA were used for data analysis. Ninety-five percent of the subjects were black and the mean age was 25.8 years (+/- 5.9). The control group had significantly lower (p < or = 0.003) AIDS knowledge scores at both posttests, with the lowest knowledge level at 2 months. The videotape group had a greater (p < or = 0.048) intent to reduce risky behaviors at the initial posttest. Tolerance towards AIDS patients was significantly (p < or = 0.025) greater in the videotape and nurse groups. Both videotape and nurse education programs increased knowledge and influenced attitudes and behavioral intent. The more efficient videotape program had similar effects as the nurse program, and may be more generalizable to other populations.