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Sixth and eighth graders and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: the results of focus group analysis
D A Palmer1, B Boardman, H Bauchner
1Division of General Pediatrics, Boston City Hospital, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
Objective:
To determine young adolescents' range of factual knowledge and beliefs about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among those who have received AIDS education.
Design:
Focus group analysis.
Setting:
Urban middle school.
Participants:
Two male and two female groups consisting of 4-7 students each, ages 11-15 years.
Results:
The predominant responses in all four groups relating to factual knowledge of HIV transmission and mechanisms of prevention were correct. However, responses indicated that factual information had not been integrated into students' plans for situations involving relationships and sexual activity. All four groups shared the image of AIDS as a disease of adults. The girls frequently gave responses which included discussion and use of condoms, whereas only a few boys could realistically visualize using condoms. Many students, predominantly boys, identified with media figures such as Magic Johnson and saw themselves to be at risk for HIV, but the girls almost exclusively saw Magic Johnson as a rich, famous person and did not identify with him. Students gave suggestions about ways to improve AIDS education and recommended that AIDS education begin in the early grades.
Conclusion:
Standard AIDS education may be effective in teaching factual information about AIDS, but it may have little effect on students' future behavior. The format of AIDS education may need to be modified to better address adolescents' beliefs and behaviors regarding HIV and AIDS.