ERIC Number: ED334043
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1991
Pages: 41
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
AIDS--Knowledge and Attitudes of Students in Rural Schools Examined by Gender and Grade Level.
Hales, Loyde W.; McGrew, Robin R.
This study examined students' knowledge associated with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and attitudes toward AIDS patients in three remote rural Oregon school districts. Subjects were 139 females and 149 males in 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10 grades. The questionnaire used in the study was designed to obtain information concerning knowledge and attitudes in the following areas: (1) modes by which AIDS is transmitted; (2) methods and importance of preventing the spread of AIDS; (3) identifying people with AIDS; and (4) interpersonal relationships with people diagnosed as having AIDS. An additional question addressed the source of student information about AIDS. Data was interpreted for the overall group, as well as for gender and grade. On the Knowledge of Transmission Scale the average percent correct was 84.5, with no significant differences between males and females. The average percent correct for seventh graders was significantly less than that for higher levels. On the Knowledge of Prevention Scale, students scored a mean of 68.6% correct, with significant differences in gender and grade. No gender or grade differences were found on the Recognition of AIDS Scale, with a mean score of 68.8% correct. The scale dealing with Attitudes Towards AIDS Victims yielded a mean score of 73.0%, with a significantly higher mean for females. The school was the most frequently cited source of knowledge about AIDS. Results suggest that schools must provide effective AIDS education to their students. (KS)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oregon
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A