Diffusion of AIDS curricula among Dutch secondary school teachers

This study reports data from a sample of 698 Dutch secondary school teachers intending to provide classroom AIDS education. The study addresses determinants of awareness knowledge about and adoption of four nationally disseminated AIDS curricula. The results indicated that knowledge acquisition was largely dependent on diffusion networks within schools. Transition from awareness knowledge to adoption appeared to be mediated by perceived instrumentality, subjective norms, perceived colleague behavior, and teachers' sexual morality. Preferences for using one curriculum rather than another were related to the same variables, although financial costs became slightly more important. It is concluded that effective dissemination strategies should combine (1) development of validated materials with clear instruction for implementation, (2) focused mass media communication, (3) close collaboration of curriculum designers, linking agents, and teachers, and (4) access to in-person assistance.