AIDS prevention through school health education: some sensitive issues

AIDS education for young people 10-24 years old requires special attention given the prevalence of high-risk social and sexual behaviors in this age group. Schools represent neglected agents of behavioral change and vehicles for the dissemination of AIDS-related information. Sex education has been shown to lead to more responsible behavior in young people and reduces the exposure to HIV risk by delaying the initiation of sexual activity or increasing condom use. Although program goals may vary from school to school, the general goals of AIDS education are to reduce the risk of infection by imparting accurate information about HIV/AIDS, correct myths and misinformation, create an appropriate degree of concern and motivation for behavioral change, build skills needed to avoid high-risk situations, and eliminate fears and prejudiced attitudes toward people with AIDS. A clearly formulated policy that takes account of the moral, cultural, religious, and philosophical issues related to HIV/AIDS is essential to the success of school-based AIDS prevention. Also important is support from teachers, parents, and the community.