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Are Adolescents Getting Smarter About Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome?Changes in Knowledge and Attitude Over the Past 5 Years
John D. Steiner;
Grigory Sorokin;
David L. Schiedermayer, MD;
Timothy J. Van Susteren, PhD
Am J Dis Child. 1990;144(3):302-306.
Abstract
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• A survey was administered to 1543 adolescents from southeastern Wisconsin to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding acquired immmunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and persons with the disease. Responses were compared with those of other studies involving adolescents using identical or similar test items. Results of the study demonstrate that knowledge of AIDS and of the modes of human immunodeficiency virus transmission have increased dramatically over the past 5 years. Ninety-eight percent of high school students in this study understood the modes of transmission and that merely touching a person with AIDS will not transmit the virus. However, results also revealed that many negative biases remain toward people who have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Forty-five percent of the students believed that homosexuals and intravenous drug users were "getting what they deserve." Recommendations are made that future educational efforts focus on changes in attitudes and behaviors in relation to adolescents' previously acquired knowledge of AIDS.
(AJDC. 1990;144:302-306)
Author Affiliations
From the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Footnotes
Accepted for publication September 19, 1989.
The views expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the institutions or foundations with which they are associated.
Reprint requests to Educational Services Division, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI53226 (Dr Van Susteren).
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