AIDS knowledge and attitudes in a Utah seventh and eighth grade population

The AIDS epidemic is concentrated in persons participating in certain high-risk behaviors; among these are teenagers who engage in unprotected sexual encounters. The knowledge and attitudes of four hundred Salt Lake City, Utah seventh and eighth graders were assessed. The results indicate that intermediate-school students are generally well informed about AIDS, knowing much about at-risk behaviors; however, a large percentage still do not believe in the safety of the blood supply for transfusions nor in the safety of donating blood. Students who had received AIDS education knew much about AIDS than those who had not. Whites and girls knew much more than non-whites and boys, and students who had discussed AIDS with their parents were somewhat better informed about AIDS than those who had not. Overall knowledge about AIDS was not significantly affected by the major source of information about AIDS, whereas, responses to some individual questions were. These students showed encouraging attitudes regarding aids. The felt it is important that they be informed about AIDS, and do not see themselves at great risk, and do not blame homosexuals for AIDS. Black students were less blaming than whites, and Asians were more fearful of AIDS than other ethnic groups. Hispanic students did not differ from white students in their attitudes. Knowledge of what our young people know should serve as the basis for what we need to teach them so they can act rationally with respect to the disease and those who have it.