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Meeting a person with AIDS in the classroom: an evaluation
1Health Education Division, Dalhousie University.
Summary
Meeting a person with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in classrooms did not change students' views on HIV susceptibility or attitudes toward people with AIDS. The educational intervention showed no measurable impact on adolescent perceptions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Education
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Classroom-based interventions are crucial for adolescent health education.
- Understanding the impact of direct interaction on HIV/AIDS perceptions is vital.
- Previous research indicates varied effectiveness of AIDS education strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of meeting a person with AIDS on Grade 9 students' perceived susceptibility to HIV infection.
- To assess the effect of this intervention on students' attitudes toward individuals living with AIDS.
- To inform future AIDS education program development.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design was employed with two treatment and two comparison schools in Nova Scotia.
- The intervention involved Grade 9 students meeting a person with AIDS as part of their curriculum.
- Self-report questionnaires measured perceived HIV susceptibility and attitudes pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes were observed in students' perceived susceptibility to HIV infection.
- Attitudes toward persons with AIDS did not significantly differ between the treatment and comparison groups.
- The educational intervention, as implemented, did not yield measurable shifts in student attitudes or risk perception.
Conclusions:
- Direct interaction with a person with AIDS in a classroom setting did not alter adolescent HIV risk perception or attitudes.
- Further research is needed to optimize the effectiveness of such educational interventions.
- Alternative or supplementary strategies may be required for impactful AIDS education in schools.