Assessing knowledge of AIDS : concern and behavioural change among university students / Lisa A. Bell. --

Abstract

The escalating prevalence of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome has precipitated many efforts aimed at informing the public about the deadly AIDS virus and how to avoid infection. Since the university population consists largely of single young adults, many of whom are sexually active, it is an important target population for AIDS education. The present study examined through the use of an AIDS Questionnaire (AIDSQ), the relationships among knowledge about AIDS, concern, barriers to change, and behavioural change. The AIDSQ was administered to 121 female and 38 male introductory psychology students attending a Northern Ontario University. Results indicated that knowledge alone was not sufficient to produce behavioural change. Several factors which did appear to be related to behaviour change included level of concern about contracting AIDS, confidence in one's ability to estimate the risks associated with one's behaviour, confidence in the effectiveness of the recommended behavioural changes for avoiding AIDS, and the degree of comfort felt engaging in the recommended behaviours. Implications for future educational interventions and research are discussed.