AIDS knowledge, concerns, and behavioral changes among inner-city high school students

Abstract

Knowledge of AIDS, attitudes toward AIDS and condoms, and behavioral changes because of AIDS were studied in 771 students, Grades 9-12 (mean age, 16 years) who completed anonymous questionnaires in gym classes of a New York City high school. Students demonstrated good knowledge of AIDS, with some misconceptions, and significant concerns about AIDS, with some behavioral changes, but most continued to engage in high-risk behaviors. These data indicate that efforts aimed at HIV/AIDS prevention in adolescents must translate knowledge and concerns into behavioral change.