Knowledge, attitudes and practices on AIDS in secondary and high schools: Kingston, Jamaica

When AIDS was first identified in 1981, it was a relatively small and demographically concentrated epidemic. The disease has since spread to many countries around the world including Jamaica. While the search for a vaccine is in progress the only effective means of controlling its spread is public education. This study was undertaken in March 1988 to determine the extent of knowledge, attitudes and practices with regards to AIDS among 201 students aged 14-17 years attending 2 co-educational secondary and high schools in Kingston, Jamaica. The study also undertook to make comparisons of knowledge, attitudes and practices of students. The study has shown that there was limited knowledge among the students, some negative attitudes and risky practices. There were no significant differences between the sexes. It is recommended that further studies be carried out among youths in Jamaica, to form the basis for identifying priorities for educational programmes, and that close collaboration should be established between the Ministries of Health and Education in the planning and implementation of educational programmes for AIDS. (AU)

Health education in maternal and child health clinics

Generally there was a wide and varied programme of education at the clinics with some subject areas requiring greater emphasis (AU)