Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in perceived susceptibility and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among college-age students of different ethnic groups
Objectives: This study assessed the differences in perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS infection and compared the knowledge about HIV/AIDS among white and nonwhite students. It assessed the level of abstinence among male and female students and characterized the contraceptives including other adopted health promotional activities
Methods Using simple random sampling technique, college-age students were randomly selected to participate in this survey. Although 1000 students attending the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley Colorado were contacted, 952 agreed and completely filled out the survey. Two faculty and 20 student volunteers placed telephone call calls to the interviewees. The questionnaire used consisted of two main parts; the first section dealt with perceived susceptibility, perceived threat of HIV/AIDS and knowledge about the disease. The second component focused on respondents' socio-demographic characteristics and the mechanism to prevent HIV/AIDS.
Results Preliminary baseline results revealed that more female (32.5%) students considered themselves susceptible to HIV infection compared to their male (18.29%) counterparts. Female students were more knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS than the male students were. The difference in knowledge was statistically significant (F=10.65,p<0.001). Abstinence and condom were suggested to prevent campus widespread of HIV/AIDS infections.
Conclusion: The need to include HIV/AIDS into the curriculum of other disciplines beside health sciences should be considered. Programmatic activities encouraging students to set life-long goals not only in the university but also in their home environment is crucial in preventing HIV/AIDS.
Learning Objectives: Analyze components of percieved susceptibility. Compare knowledge of HIV/AIDS by gender. Identify possible preventive measures against HIV/AIDS infections on campuses.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Ethnicity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.