AEGiS-06IAC: Strategies for effective AIDS education in schools.

6th International AIDS Conference

San Francisco, California, USA — June 20-23, 1990

Strategies for effective AIDS education in schools.

Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:339 (abstract no. Th.D.855)
Epstein ER; ACT UP/NY, New York, NY, USA

OBJECTIVE: The need for effective AIDS education programs in U.S. schools continually intensifies as the number of HIV-infected adolescents leaps. Many students do not receive the information they need to preserve their health and to deal compassionately with those around them who have AIDS. Strategies for a meaningful AIDS education are discussed. Major Elements of an Effective Program: 1) emphasis on protection; 2) explicit safer sex instruction; 3) realistic drug education; 4) direct refutation of myths and misinformation about AIDS; 5) emphasis on risk behaviors, not groups; 6) education which is sex-positive; 7) open discussion of all forms of sexual activity; 8) lessons that empower students to make their own informed decisions; 9) extensive peer counseling/education.

CONCLUSION: The current AIDS curriculum in New York City public schools addresses only elements 4 and 5, neither of them directly. AIDS cases among 15 year olds in New York City increased by 40% between 1987 and 1989. By contrast, among gay white male New Yorkers, who largely have been well educated, HIV infection rates have remained relatively stable for several years. Thus, the elements outlined above are essential to slowing the spread of HIV among adolescents.

Keywords: AEGIS, Schools, Health Education, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Risk-Taking, Homosexuality, HIV Infections, Safe Sex, Curriculum, Thinking, Learning, Coitus, New York City, United States, Adolescence, Male, prevention & control, education, ICA6

900620
ThD855