[Discussing AIDS with their junior high school children by parents. A study on parents education about AIDS]

This study was performed to determine the extent of parental participation in talking to their children regarding AIDS, and to determine what intervening factors existed. FOCUS GROUP: Parents of children who attend a public junior high school in Yokohama, Japan. TERM: November 9, 1995 to November 16, 1995.

Anonymous questionnaires addressed to both parents were distributed to children in the classroom. After the parents had completed the form, the children brought it back to the school.

616 Families or 1,117 individuals (509 fathers, 608 mothers) Response Rate: 72.4%.

1. Percent of parents who have talked to their children about AIDS (Experience Rate): Fathers 26%, Mothers 63%. 2. Percent of parents willing to discuss AIDS with their children (Willingness Rate): Fathers 49%, Mothers 70%. 3. In 70% of the families either the father or mother have talked with their children about AIDS (Experience Rate). In 95% of the families either the father or mother expressed a willingness to talk with their children about AIDS (Willingness Rate). 4. Factors related to Experience Rate were: Fathers--No consistent pattern was shown in responses. Mothers--1. Have enough knowledge about AIDS. 2. Understand basic facts about the route of infection of HIV. 3. Have expectations of an increase in the number of PWA/H (People with AIDS/HIV) in the near future. 4. Recognize the risk of HIV infection for their children. 5. Factors related to Willingness Rate were: Fathers--1. Understand that AIDS is not only someone else's problem. 2. Recognize the risk of HIV infection for their children. Mothers--1. Understand that AIDS is not only someone else's problem. 2. Have an accepting attitude toward their children's friend who is infected with HIV.