Israeli youth and AIDS: Knowledge and attitude changes among high school students following an AIDS education program

A pilot project conducted in three Jerusalem schools in 1990-91 demonstrated that medical students who had received extensive training in teaching about AIDS and its prevention were able to influence the level of knowledge and attitudes on this subject among high school students. Research findings showed moderate to low knowledge levels in a sample group of 241 Jerusalem high school students on all AIDS-related questions. The average score was (mean ± SD) 68.9 ± 15.4, with significant differences (P<0.01) between boys 77.2 ± 8.6 and girls 65.9 ± 16.4. The principal source of knowledge on AIDS among the sample population was the electronic media, 47% stating that their knowledge of HIV/AIDS came from television. After a series of four lessons in the 'The Immune System and AIDS' program, there was a significant improvement in the students' knowledge. The average score rose to 78.8 ± 13.9 with an improvement of up to 23% in the answers to the various subgroups of questions. The program succeeded in clarifying for the students the degree of personal risk from contracting HIV, but did not affect their fear of the disease - 70% of the students stated that they were afraid of being ill with AIDS. The study did not examine the students' behavioral patterns.