Evolution of college students' AIDS-related behavioral responses, attitudes, knowledge, and fear

Abstract

Data were collected (a) to document extant levels of AIDS-risk behavior, AIDS-preventive behavior, AIDS-knowledge, and attitudes toward prevention among college students, (b) to assess the evolution from 1986 to 1988 of college students' behavioral and attitudinal responses to the AIDS epidemic, and (c) to document changes over time in college students' knowledge about AIDS. Although students' current levels of AIDS-knowledge were found to be relatively high, and their attitudes toward prevention were in the neutral range, actual preventive behavior was low, and unsafe sexual practices were high. Concerning changes in these dimensions across time, data using comparable samples of undergraduates in 1986, 1987, and 1988 indicated that there were substantial increases in knowledge about AIDS, in the favorability of attitudes toward certain "safer-sex" behaviors (e.g., discussing "safer sex"), and in the utilization of relevant informational resources. Students' perceptions of others' vulnerability to AIDS (but not their own vulnerability), had also increased. However, at the same time, students reported a decrease in the safety of their sexual behaviors. Numbers of sexual partners, likelihood of being in an intimate (sexual) relationship, and unsafe sexual practices have all increased since 1986. Finally, evidence suggested that alcohol may play a significant role in students' AIDS-risk behavior.

PIP: A sample of 515 undergraduate college students from the University of Connecticut participated in 1986-88 this study of AIDs related attitudes and behavior. The justifications for collecting AIDs risk behaviors in a selected population were based on the need for an explanation for differences in HIV infection and AIDs incidence among population subgroups, and longitudinal changes in the rates of new infection within and between populations. Future levels of incidence can then be estimated. A wide range of sexual behaviors can be identified in order to generate mathematical modes of the spread of HIV infection, since present estimates are based on data statistics. Data on the incidence of AIDs risk behavior will determine the nature and extent of necessary behavior change interventions. The population sampled was predominately white (92.6%), single (98.8%), 18-19 year olds (77%), Roman Catholic (52%), and from white collar families (71.5%) who lived in dormitories (84%). The annual samples were highly comparable for race, religion, marital and occupational status, or political orientation based on Chi squared analyses. The 35-page questionnaire was given to students taking basic psychology. Questions dealt with types of relationships among students, AIDs risk behavior, preventive behavior, utilization of information services, knowledge, fear of AIDs, and contact with individuals with AIDs. The results indicate that the pattern of relationships has not changes among college students, except to increase sexual behavior and to engage in risk behaviors. More have sought information about AIDs and become more knowledgeable, but have not increased preventive behaviors. There is little contact with AIDs infected persons. The implications for AIDs education if that the focus needs to emphasize risk reduction behavior. More data is needed on what information is lacking, the identification of behavioral skills lacking, and the motivation to practice safer sex. Although condom use has increased somewhat, AIDs risk behavior has also increased. A 1989 American College Health Association survey found a surprising increase in college student HIV prevalence, which coupled with increased sexually risky behavior suggests concern for further HIV spread in the college population.