PEDIATRICS Vol. 81 No. 3 March 1988, pp. 350-355
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Secondary School Students: Their Knowledge Is Limited and They Want to Learn More

Steven D. Helgerson MD, MPH1, Lyle R. Petersen MD1, and The AIDS Education Study Group

1 From the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Connecticut State Department of Health Services, Hartford; Division of Field Services, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta; Department of Health, Bridgeport, Connecticut

Information was gathered from 657 junior high school and senior high school students in two Connecticut school districts regarding their knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although many students had some factual knowledge about the virus that causes AIDS, many students were misinformed about methods of viral transmission, highrisk groups for acquiring AIDS, and methods to avoid acquisition of the virus. Most students did not recognize the existence of a carrier state. Responses from students of different grades, ages, sexes, races, and school districts differed rarely and without apparent pattern. Students reported that they had learned about AIDS mostly from television or radio (57%) or magazines or newspapers (16%); few had learned from persons with whom they had frequent contact, such as parents (6%) or teachers (4%). Seventy-four percent of students said they wanted to learn more about AIDS, and 49% said they wanted to learn it in school. Results of this study indicated that students' knowledge about AIDS is not adequate, students wish to learn more, and information about AIDS should be presented in public schools.

Key Words: human immunodeficiency virus • acquired immunodeficiency syndrome • school • education

Submitted on April 7, 1987
Accepted on May 27, 1987




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