AEGiS-07IAC: Evaluation of a multicentered and interactive program on information and sanitary education related to HIV infection targeted towards the schools and workplaces.

7th International AIDS Conference

Florence, Italy — June 16-21, 1991

Evaluation of a multicentered and interactive program on information and sanitary education related to HIV infection targeted towards the schools and workplaces.

Int Conf AIDS 1991 Jun 16-21; 7:445 (abstract no. W.D.4228)
Cesarani N, Borlone P, Citterio R, Agnoletto V, Tarocchi A; L.I.L.A. (Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro l'AIDS), Milano, Italia

This research was completed with a grant from the Ministry of health (Istituto Superiore di Sanita - progetto AIDS 1990 -Roma - Italia). The abstract limits its conclusions to the results of the first year of research in the school sector of the Lombardia region.

OBJECTIVE: To gather and evaluate data through the usage of questionnaires on the necessity of information on HIV infection to be used in schools.

METHOD: In June of 1990, the L.I.L.A. of Milan mailed a questionnaire to the principals of junior (848) and senior (423) high-schools in the Lombardia region. Also requested: biographical information; social and urban characteristic of each territory; availability of treatment centers for IV drugusers; AIDS-related experiences previously utilized in the school; a personal evaluation of current AIDS information.

RESULTS: As of January 1991, 331 questionnaires were completed among the junior high-schools (39.03%) and 135 (31.91%) among the senior high-schools. 94% and 98%, respectively, expressed an interest in AIDS-related problems and were willing to collaborate. 22% of the junior high principals felt that any initiative in this age bracket was inopportune. 34% and 37% respectively, judged AIDS information as incorrect or insufficient. Any previous experiences on this subject case about as a result of evidence of drug use within the schools.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a contradiction between the necessity for AIDS information and the negative evaluation of what has been achieved so far. The Ministry of Education and the single schools boards should bear this in mind. The high number of principals who felt inclined not to collaborate makes consciousness-raising a must especially as many students never go on to senior high-school education. Initiatives aimed at preventing AIDS should be undertaken before risk situation are identified.

Keywords: AEGIS, Schools, HIV Infections, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Program Evaluation, Health Education, Students, Teaching, Sex Education, Curriculum, Questionnaires, education, nursing, ICA7
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