The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50739

Steven Godin, PhD, MPH and Heather Homick, MPH. Center for Community Research & Development, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, 570-422-3562, sgodin@po-box.esu.edu

A modified version of DiClemente's 1990 national college student survey was used to assess HIV/AIDS knowledge in college students at a rural university in the northeast. DiClemente's survey was modified by adding ten additional items to reflect the changes that have occurred in the last decade regarding our HIV knowledge and understanding. These additional items measured HIV risk in: specific sexual behaviors (i.e., anal, vaginal, oral sex, and "deep kissing"); use of nonoxynol-9 spermicide; and having had a prior STD/STI to name a few. A "two-phased sampling" technique was used to insure that the sample of students was representative of the student body of the university. Of the 278 students who were asked to participate, 251 (90%) provided completed knowledge tests. The analyses found that while college students demonstrated reasonable knowledge efficacy on the original DeClemente items (81% right), knowledge efficacy for HIV risk related to: type of sexual behavior; having had a prior STI/STD; and use of nonoxynol-9 was very poor (i.e., 10-35% right). Furthermore, men in the study were more likely to score lower on the overall knowledge test as compared to women (T=3.22; p<.05). Further secondary analyses revealed that no significant relationship existed between mean knowledge scores in those that have had prior HIV education in high schools versus those who did not. Recommendations regarding updating college and high school level HIV/AIDS curriculums are provided.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to

• Describe the areas of HIV knowledge related to HIV risk that need to be updated in educational programs;
• Understand gender differences in HIV/AIDS knowledge for this sample; and
• Discuss the need for updating HIV/AIDS curriculums within our youth and adult educational programs.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.