RESUMO
PURPOSE: A study of university students was conducted to explore their prejudice toward AIDS, social interaction with AIDS patients, and intention to practice AIDS preventive measures. METHOD: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 145 university students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA with SPSS 11.5. RESULT: The mean score for prejudice toward AIDS was 23.54, implying a low level of prejudice toward AIDS by the subjects. The mean score for social interaction with AIDS patients was 20.92, indicating a moderate level of intention for social interaction with AIDS patients. The mean score for intention to practice AIDS prevention was 24,74, assuming a strong intention to practice AIDS prevention. Those who had higher mean scores for AIDS Knowledge showed significantly higher mean scores for social interaction with AIDS patients and intention to practice prevention than those who had lower scores. CONCLUSION: Research findings showed that university students had a low level of prejudice toward AIDS, a moderate level of social interaction with AIDS patients and a high level of intention to practice AIDS prevention. Therefore, a specially designed AIDS education program is needed for university students so as not to provoke fear or stigma toward AIDS patients and to support AIDS patients.