Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Knowledge Research Articles

Structural Equation Model Analysis of HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitude, and Sex Education Among Freshmen in Jiangsu, China.

BackgroundThe study of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) related knowledge, attitude, and sex education status of Jiangsu freshmen was conducted, which can provide data support directionally for the prevention work of HIV/AIDS among this population.MethodsMale students (4,006) and female students (4,279) were selected from 20 universities or colleges in the Jiangsu province. The knowledge, attitudes, and sex education of freshmen were conducted with an online questionnaire. The log-binomial regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of HIV/AIDS knowledge. In addition, a structural equation model was used to analyze students' health needs that affect knowledge awareness and knowledge mastery.ResultsThe overall awareness rate of AIDS knowledge was 87.4%. The students in undergraduate colleges (OR = 2.523, 95% CI=2.223~2.864) and independent colleges (OR = 1.389, 95%CI = 1.172~1.646) were more likely to have a higher awareness compared with the students in junior colleges. In this study, 2,011 freshmen approved of premarital behavior, 4,921 freshmen insisted on using condoms when having sex, and 8,138 freshmen were willing to take HIV antibody test when they suspected they were infected. In total, 4,703 freshmen believed that sexual health education was necessary for colleges and universities, and most of them (57.2%) hoped that sex education in schools should be improved. The direct effect of sex education on knowledge awareness and attitude is 0.15 and 0.58. The mediation effect test found that the pass ability knowledge path of sex education indirectly affected sexual attitudes (0.05).ConclusionThe awareness rate of HIV/AIDS among Jiangsu freshmen has not reached the national standard. Health education has a significant positive effect on knowledge awareness and attitude; however, students' needs in terms of time, place, and degree of sex education have not been met in time. It is necessary to strengthen the HIV/AIDS health education of college students in multiple ways.

Knowledge Level of Grade XII Senior High School Students Regarding HIV/AIDS

Background: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a collection of symptoms or diseases caused by a decrease in the immune system from the body due to infection from the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which belongs to the retroviridae family. Teenagers themselves are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. The right and precise knowledge of HIV and AIDS is important in HIV prevention efforts in adolescents. Method: This research is a descriptive research with cross-sectional design. The sample population of this study was grade XII senior high school students of the 2020/2021 at Methodist – 2 Medan by sampling total sampling. This study was analyzed univariately to look at the descriptive images. Result: From the results of this study, it has obtained that the knowledge level of students grade XII Methodist - 2 Medan had good knowledge about HIV / AIDS with the number of 144 people (70.6%). Conclusion: From this study, it was found that the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS was mostly in a good category.

Survey on the Cognition of HIV/AIDS Among Freshmen of Midwifery Major in Nursing Department

<i>Background</i>: Midwives were a special group of nurses whose jobs were to assist obstetricians in ensuring the safety of mothers and newborns. It was important that their high knowledge of preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. In order to understand and strengthen their knowledge of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When the new students of midwive first came to college the study of ther wareness for HIV was carried out. <i>Objective</i>: The main aim of this study was to understand the awareness rate and provide basis of health education about the AIDS among new students of midwive. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: 146 new students of midwives were surveyed about the knowledge of AIDS with questionnaire survey method. <i>Result</i>: Findings revealed that knowledge level of AIDS were low among the new students of midwives. <i>Conclusion and Recommendation</i>: Learning of sexual knowledge and HIV/AIDS should be strengthened for the new students of midwives. The curriculum about HIV/AIDS knowledge should be specially set up.

HUBUNGAN TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN TENTANG HIV AIDS DENGAN PERILAKU SEKSUAL PRANIKAH PADA NELAYAN DI TPI UNIT II JUWANA PATI JAWA TENGAH

Introduction: The case of HIV AIDS every year has increased. This is supported by the development of globalization resulting in social changes and lifestyles, including risky behaviors such as sexual intercourse with multiple partners, premarital sex, and drug abuse. Such lifestyle endangers reproductive health, especially the possibility of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) in couples. Objective: To know the relation of knowledge level about HIV AIDS with premarital sexual behavior to fishermen in TPI Unit II Juwana Pati Central Java.Method: The type of quantitative research design used is descriptive correlasional.Populasi Penelitian Population in this research is the fisherman in TPI Unit II as many as 251 fishermen. The sample of research using non-probability sampling technique that is accidental sampling, as many as 72 respondents, with error rate 10% of the total population. This research was conducted at TPI Unit II of Juwana Central Java. Data were collected using a knowledge-level questionnaire on HIV AIDS and pre-marital sexual behavior. To test hypotasis using test analysis using Kendall Tau.Results: Based on Kendall's Tau correlation test results showed a relationship between HIV AIDS knowledge level and premarital sexual behavior on fishermen in TPI Unit II Juwana Pati Central Java because it has a coefficient of 0.452 with a significance value of 0.000. This shows that p 0,1.Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between HIV AIDS knowledge level and premarital sexual behavior of fishermen in TPI Unit II Juwana Pati Central Java

Comparative effects of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HIV/AIDS among hospital orderlies in two Tertiary Hospitals

Background: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) pandemic is a major challenge that health care workers are faced with because of increased risk of infection. Despite the high risk of HIV infection among nursing assistants, less attention is currently paid to training this cadre of hospital staff to reduce the risk of infection. Objective: To assess the effect of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice about HIV/AIDS among hospital orderlies in two tertiary facilities in Ogun State, South-west, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental, non-randomized, controlled group design which was conducted in three phases; a pre-intervention evaluation, immediate post-intervention evaluation and another evaluation three months post-intervention. Hospital orderlies were recruited (108 from the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu (OOUTH) as intervention group and 112 orderlies from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta as controls). Results: Significant increase in the knowledge, attitude and practice of the intervention group determined by percentage score was recorded immediately after the training. In the control group, there was a decline in the attitudinal score but an insignificant increase in the knowledge and practice of HIV prevention. Three months post-intervention, further increase in the knowledge score and attitudinal score in the intervention group respectively compared to the pre-test scores ( 83.3% vs. 99.1% and 94.4% vs. 96.3%) were recorded. Conclusion: The study showed good knowledge of HIV and AIDS which further improved after the educational intervention. Therefore, the need for continuous training for the hospital orderlies is germane.

Russian nursing students' knowledge level and attitudes in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - a descriptive study.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge of Russian nursing students regarding HIV and Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and their attitudes towards caring for people/patients living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHA - People Living With HIV/AIDS) and their possible homophobic attitudes. The HIV epidemic in Russia is substantial and increasing rapidly. Hence this study provides important new information regarding this phenomenon.MethodsThe data was collected by questionnaire from students in three nursing schools (n = 102, response rate 95.3%). The data was analyzed using PASW Statistics version 18. For computing the level of the students’ AIDS knowledge, all correct answers were recorded as equal to (1), while all incorrect and “Don’t know” answers were recorded as equal to (0). Each respondent’s scores were totaled and individual scores were analyzed using regression analysis. The effect of demographic variables on the average scores of attitudes was also subjected to regression analysis.ResultsOverall, students’ knowledge level regarding HIV and AIDS was moderate (range 5–26). Of a maximum score of 33, the mean of correct answers was 19.8 (SD = 3.70). Nursing students’ attitudes were quite negative and they also demonstrated homophobic attitudes. The mean scale score for nursing students’ general attitude was 2.75, and for homophobic attitudes it was 3.3 (min = 1, max = 5). Only the background factor of gender correlated with the homophobic level demonstrated (p = .05, β = −.67). Nursing students’ overall willingness to provide care for PLWHA was associated with their attitudes (p = .003, β = −.534).ConclusionsGiven that the HIV epidemic in Russia is both substantial and increasing, it is essential to improve HIV nursing education to provide sufficient and up-to-date information about HIV and also to prepare nursing students for caring for PLWHA. In doing so, this may help to address both the deficits in student knowledge, and also modify their attitude towards PLWHA.

Predictors of Intention to Change HIV Sexual and Injection Risk Behaviors among Heterosexual Methamphetamine-Using Offenders in Drug Treatment: A Test of the AIDS Risk Reduction Model

This study tested components of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Risk Reduction Model (ARRM) for a sample of methamphetamine-using offenders in drug treatment. Analyses included the first two stages of the ARRM, problem recognition and intention to reduce risk (potential precursors to later possible behavior change), assessing predictors of intentions to increase condom use, reduce other sexual risk, and disinfect needles. Path analysis results showed potential applicability of the ARRM as a basis for intervention development for this population. There was a consistent effect of self-efficacy for risk reduction strategies, as well as direct or indirect effects of problem recognition factors (AIDS knowledge, peer norms), on the three intention indicators. Prior sex risk behavior (condom use) was directly negatively related to intention to use condoms; prior needle use was indirectly negatively related to intention to disinfect. Intention to use condoms was lower for women. Results can help identify areas for intervention development.

AIDS knowledge and attitudes in a Turkish population: an epidemiological study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate and present some pertinent comments concerning Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions among the general population in a city of west Turkey. This study was deemed important and relevant due to the increasing importance of AIDS in Turkey and the other countries.MethodsUsing a multistage area sampling method, a random sample of individuals aged 11–83 years, living in 65 different quarters in the city of Eskisehir, Turkey during September, October and November 2004 were interviewed.ResultsIn all, 1048 respondents completed the survey. In most items, respondents displayed a fairly good to excellent degree of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Individuals with higher degrees of education indicated more correct responses in all items relating to knowledge of HIV/AIDS.In general, the respondents' attitudes towards AIDS and people with AIDS were found to be tolerant and positive, with one answer choice showing that the majority of the respondents agreed with the statement that those with HIV/AIDS must be supported, treated and helped (90.7%). Moreover, the proportions of the respondents' misconceptions were found to be significantly low for all the items. However, nearly one fourth of the respondents agreed with the misconceptions 'AIDS is a punishment by God' and 'One is not infected with HIV/AIDS if engaged in sport and well nourished'.ConclusionIn general HIV/AIDS related knowledge was high and people showed positive attitudes. However, people continue to hold misconceptions about AIDS and these need to be addressed by health education programs targeting those at higher risk.

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome knowledge and risk factors in Ethiopian military personnel.

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-related knowledge and behaviors were assessed in face-to-face structured interviews with 314 Ethiopian military personnel. A significant finding of this research was the association between HIV/AIDS knowledge and risky sexual behavior. That is, military personnel who had inaccurate knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention were 3.4 times as likely to engage in combined sexual risk behaviors compared with personnel with accurate knowledge, after controlling for age, military rank, and marital status (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.86-6.22). This finding highlights the potential value of educational programs in slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

Skills training for pregnancy and AIDS prevention in Anglo and Latino youth

Purpose: This study tested social skills training (SST), didactic training (DT), and no training (NT) on adolescents’ social skills for resisting peer pressure to engage in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and pregnancy risk behavior. Methods: A total of 307 Latino and Anglo youth ages 13–18 years were assigned at random to receive 18 h of SST, 18 h of DT, or NT. Results: Significantly ( p < 0.05) greater increases in assertiveness followed SST compared to DT or NT for three trained skills: condom negotiation, asking a friend about their sex/drug history, and discussing a friend’s risk of AIDS. Untrained negotiation skills (e.g., purchasing a condom) did not increase significantly. SST did not result in increased assertiveness for refusal skills. DT increased knowledge of AIDS significantly more than SST; both DT and SST increased knowledge significantly more than NT. Conclusions: Social skills training can increase assertiveness for certain negotiation skills that may decrease risk of AIDS for Latino, Anglo, and male and female adolescents. Both DT and SST can increase knowledge of AIDS prevention. Differences between experimental groups were supported by differences between trained and untrained skills within the SST condition, adding to discriminant validity.

AIDS: Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

In contrast to the somber mood of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) professionals just over a year ago (see my review of<i>The AIDS Knowledge Base</i>[Little, Brown &amp; Co] in<i>JAMA</i>, November 15, 1995¹), excitement and optimism are the applicable descriptors in 1997. New antiretroviral drugs constitute a tremendous advance over the zidovudine (AZT), didanosine (ddI), and zalcitabine (ddC) triad of a few years ago. Long-term control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is no longer a speculative hope, but a reality. The word "cure"—almost unimaginable in this context—is now creeping into conversations at national AIDS meetings. Paralleling advances in AIDS treatment has been an explosion in knowledge of many aspects of HIV infection. We now know about the intense replicative activity of HIV in the human body, the turnover of infected CD4⁺lymphocytes, new manifestations of human infection with many opportunistic pathogens, and innovative approaches to preventing some

Correlates of HIV risk appraisal in women.

This study examined the relationship of safer sex behavior practices, knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), social norms, and familiarity with persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with HIV risk appraisal in women. Risk appraisal was measured by perceived susceptibility and seriousness of AIDS. The AIDS Risk Reduction Model was used to construct a salient framework for this descriptive, correlational survey in which 208 urban women of mixed ethnicity residing in areas with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS participated. Behavior, knowledge, and social norms, contributed significant amounts of variance to perceived susceptibility but none of the independent variables contributed significant amounts of variance in perceived seriousness. Overall findings indicate that risk behaviors are commonly reported. AIDS knowledge is incomplete, and denial of risk is pronounced.

Reliability, Validity, and Composition of a Subset of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Knowledge Questionnaire in a Sample of Homeless and Impoverished Adults

Measures of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related knowledge that have good psychometric properties are needed to evaluate the impact of educational interventions, particularly among impoverished populations. Few measures that satisfy these requirements are available. The authors describe the psychometric characteristics and composition of a subset of 21 AIDS knowledge items from the questionnaire used by the National Center for Health Statistics. The study was conducted with a convenience sample of women and their significant others or close friends in nine homeless shelters and 11 residential drug recovery programs in the skid row area of Los Angeles from 1991 to 1993. Trained nurses and outreach workers collected data from 486 predominately African-American adults before delivery of well-established, culturally sensitive AIDS educational intervention. A subset of 334 participants were re-interviewed 6 months later. A total scale score was calculated from a one-factor solution, and two subscale scores were formed based on a two-factor solution. One subscale was composed of primarily cognitive items, whereas the second subscale contained mainly transmission-related items. The internal consistency reliability of the overall scale was 0.89; the two subscales had alphas of 0.80 and 0.92. The measures have face validity, and support for convergent validity was found. Further, even though AIDS knowledge in the sample was relatively high, all three measures showed marked improvement in the subsample of respondents who were re-interviewed after receiving AIDS-related educational information. These measures show promise for assessing AIDS knowledge and the efficacy of AIDS education programs in vulnerable populations. The findings reported here, however, are preliminary. Test-retest reliability needs to be examined, and additional studies are needed with samples that are more culturally diverse and include socially isolated individuals.

The relative contributions of psychiatric symptoms and AIDS knowledge to HIV risk behaviors among people with severe mental illness.

This study was designed to determine whether psychiatric symptoms and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge predict human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior among people with severe mental illness. We interviewed 178 psychiatric patients to determine Axis I diagnosis, level of functioning, severity of psychiatric symptoms, knowledge about AIDS, sexual risk behaviors in the previous 6 months, and drug injection since 1978. Severity of psychiatric symptoms was rated on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale within the classification of positive, negative, cognitive, excited, and depressed/anxious symptoms. Ninety-two patients (51.7%) reported being sexually active in the previous 6 months. Of sexually active patients for whom data were available, 44 (47.8%) of 92 had multiple sex partners; 32 (35.2%) of 91 used drugs during sex; 27 (29.7%) of 91 traded sex for drugs, money, or other goods; and 50 (58.1%) of 86 never used condoms. Thirty-one patients (17.5%) had drug-injection histories. The median AIDS knowledge score was 23 (82.1%) of 28. Although AIDS knowledge was negatively correlated with cognitive and negative symptoms and positively correlated with excitement, knowledge alone did not predict any risk behavior. However, when AIDS knowledge was taken together with age and excited symptoms, the odds of being sexually active versus abstinent were three times higher among patients with better AIDS knowledge and twice higher among patients with greater excited symptoms. Having multiple sex partners was nearly three times as likely among patients with greater positive symptoms. Trading sex was more than three times as likely among patients with schizophrenia than among those with other diagnoses and more than five times as likely among those with more excitement symptoms. Patients, particularly those who were sexually active, were well informed about AIDS. Specific psychiatric conditions, including the presence of positive and excited symptoms and a diagnosis of schizophrenia, predicted certain sexual risk behaviors and must be the focus of innovative prevention efforts.

Attitudes of baccalaureate nursing students toward persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome according to mode of human immunodeficiency virus transmission.

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to (1) examine differences in baccalaureate nursing students' attitudes toward persons living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWAs) according to mode of transmission and (2) identify demographic and academic variables influencing baccalaureate nursing students' attitudes toward PLWAs. Two hundred forty-six students from five geographically dispersed baccalaureate programs returned a completed demographic data sheet, AIDS Knowledge Scale, and AIDS Attitude Scale. The AIDS Attitude Scale, based on Goffman's theory of stigma, assesses stigmatizing attitudes, perceptions of deservedness of care, and attitudes of respect and regard for PLWAs according to five modes of human immunodeficiency virus transmission. The findings of this study demonstrated overall that baccalaureate students were the most stigmatizing toward persons who had developed AIDS through injecting drugs followed by sexual contact (both homosexual and heterosexual) and least stigmatizing toward PLWAs who contracted the virus through maternal transmission or a blood transfusion. Perhaps the PLWA who contracted AIDS through either maternal transmission or a blood transfusion was viewed as an "innocent victim" of the disease, whereas PLWAs who contracted the virus through either shared needles or sexual transmission were viewed as having acquired the infection through the results of their actions. The demographic characteristics of the respondents did not influence AIDS attitudes.

Linkages Between Sexual Risk Taking, Substance Use, and AIDS Knowledge Among Pregnant Adolescents and Young Mothers

This survey examined the relationships of sexual risk taking to substance use and AIDS knowledge in pregnant adolescents (n = 58) and nonpregnant young mothers (n = 93). Subjects were from predominantly minority backgrounds, were single, and ranged in age from 12 to 20 years (M = 16.64). A number of high-risk behaviors were reported, including substance use during pregnancy and early parenthood, unprotected sexual relations, and multiple (lifetime) sex partners. Current pregnancy status, history of marijuana use, and ethnicity were strong predictors of having had multiple sex partners. Odds ratios suggested that Black adolescents were many times more likely than Whites to have had multiple sex partners. Pregnant adolescents were less likely than young mothers (nonpregnant) to have had multiple sex partners but more likely to have unprotected sex (i.e., without use of a condom). Conversely, young mothers were more likely to have multiple sex partners and less likely to have unprotected sex than were pregnant adolescents. Those with a history of marijuana use were more likely to have had multiple sex partners than were adolescents who had never used this drug. AIDS knowledge was not a significant predictor of high-risk sexual behavior.

Knowledge and attitudes about AIDS: A comparison of public high school students, incarcerated delinquents, and emotionally disturbed adolescents

This study compared AIDS knowledge and attitudes in public high school students (N=167), incarcerated delinquents (N=166), and emotionally disturbed (SED) adolescents (N=151). The response measure was a 50-item Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) questionnaire that was previously used by Bell et al., in their 1991 study of learning disabled adolescents. Although AIDS knowledge was moderately high in all three groups, widespread misunderstandings about disease transmission and awareness of high-risk groups and practices were noted. Knowledge scores were significantly higher in the public school sample than in the SED adolescents; moreover, they tended to be slightly higher (p<0.10) than the delinquent group as well. Teenagers with the severest emotional problems were by far the least informed. Age and race were also predictive of AIDS knowledge. Other results showed that delinquents were more permissive in their attitudes about sex, more inclined to disdain safe sex practices, and more likely to feel threatened by high-risk groups as well as powerless to protect themselves against AIDS. Generally speaking, the findings extend the work of other investigators on the needs for AIDS education in adolescents. The need is especially urgent in delinquent and emotionally disturbed youth who may require a more comprehensive intervention because of their greater knowledge deficits, propensity for high-risk practices, and tendency to deny or underestimate their own vulnerability.

AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes towards Homosexuals of Black First-Year University Students: 1990–1992

Using an anonymous structured questionnaire to obtain baseline data on knowledge and attitudes of first-year black university students about the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and their attitudes towards homosexuals during 1990, 1991, and 1992 (ns = 1902, 2113, and 1558), the following information was obtained. Students' knowledge of AIDS was inadequate and misconceptions about AIDS transmission prevalent as were prejudiced and exclusionary beliefs about people with AIDS. Little difference was evident on any of the scales over the three-year period.

Seriously Emotionally Disturbed Students' Knowledge and Attitudes About AIDS

In recent years, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has dramatically increased in many segments of our population, including adolescents. Specific subgroups of adolescents have been identified as being at increased risk of acquiring HIV infection due to their high-risk behaviors and lack of basic knowledge regarding AIDS. Using a 50-item AIDS questionnaire, this study surveyed the AIDS knowledge and attitudes of 220 adolescents with serious emotional disturbance (SED), a group particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. Although the majority of the students knew the main modes of HIV transmission, the students' ages and race were related to their level of knowledge, and there were a number of common misconceptions reported by the students. In terms of students' attitudes toward behaviors that might lead to HIV infection and tolerance of those with AIDS, this study found that gender, race, and age were predictive in various subscales. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive AIDS education to address the knowledge deficits and permissive attitudes regarding high-risk behavior seen in some students with SED.

Influence of personal experience of dying AIDS patients on attitude and sexual behaviour in Kabarole District, Uganda

In a Ugandan study performed in 1991 100 secondary school students from two schools in the Kabarole District were chosen by simple random sampling. The ratio of males to females was 50/50. The range in age was 17-22 years with an average of 19. Two teachers from other schools interviewed the students using a 65-question questionnaire. Interviewers were trained to minimize bias. Verbal autopsy technique was used to determine death due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Students were scored for knowledge of AIDS (knowledge score); number of deaths due to AIDS in family members (experience score); attitude toward AIDS in general condoms and promiscuity (attitude toward AIDS score); treatment of patients with AIDS (attitude toward patients with AIDS score); and number of sexual partners during last quarter condom use and sexually transmitted disease (sexual practices score). The level of knowledge was high and 48% of the students had lost a family member; 21% had lost two. There was a significant correlation (Pearsons correlation coefficients two tailed significance P < .01) between the knowledge score and the attitude toward AIDS patients (those who knew more about AIDS were more tolerant of AIDS patients) and between the attitude toward AIDS score and the sexual practices score (those with a higher attitude toward AIDS score had a lower sexual risk score). There was no correlation between the experience score and the sexual practice score. The sample size was small and youth who did not attend school (approximately 50%) were not included. The questions were in English rather than the local language. There was some evidence of response filtering by interviewers. Misclassification of the death of AIDS patients was possible. Self reported sexual behavior may be inaccurate. The information from this study was used in the AIDS control program in the Kabarole District to encourage risk reduction behavior among adolescents and in the community.