NCJ Number
130843
Date Published
1989
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A small-scale study of undergraduate student beliefs and attitudes regarding AIDS was conducted in late 1986 and early 1987 in Canterbury, England.
Abstract
A 3-part questionnaire collected information from students. Two parts requested demographic and personal information including questions on sexual preferences and activities. The main part contained 56 statements about HIV infection and AIDS, with a 5-point response format ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." Findings revealed consistent responses that reflected major dimensions underlying reactions to AIDS. Such dimensions included lack of understanding, fear, religion, morality, and prejudice. Students reported having given some thought to issues associated with AIDS, they clearly endorsed the need for public information, and they agreed that education in schools should provide information on safer sex. Explicit descriptions of sexual activity were not considered disgusting, and explicit references to anal intercourse, barrier contraceptives, and safe sex techniques were advocated. Most students appeared to be pessimistic about the likelihood of significant change in patterns of sexual behavior and contraceptive use, at least in the short-term. Over the 6-month study period, issues affecting student understanding of the nature of AIDS showed a clear and consistent pattern, but issues involving religious and moral judgment showed very little change. 7 references, 1 note, and 9 tables