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The Face of AIDS: Comprehensive HIV Education

comprehensive
HIV education

It is important
that a session featuring an educator with HIV be part of a comprehensive
HIV education program. In order to make the most of the session,
students need information in advance, and time to process afterward.
The session itself may have an emotional impact which can help students
absorb the technical prevention information they have been given

In 1994 Kirby and Associates
conducted an examination of the relationship between HIV/AIDS, adolescent
sexual behaviors and sex education curriculum used in secondary
schools. Content analysis revealed several important characteristics.
Effective programs include the following characteristics:

  • Include
    a narrow focus on reducing sexual risk-taking behaviors
    that may lead to HIV/STD infection or unintentional pregnancy.
    Behavior goals are limited and specific, such as delay of
    initiation of intercourse or using protection.
  • Use
    social learning theories as a foundation for program development.
    These programs go beyond the cognitive level and focus on
    recognizing social influences, changing individual values,
    changing group norms and building social skills.
  • Employ
    a variety of teaching methods to involve the participants
    and have them personalize the information. Experimental
    classroom and homework activities included in small group
    discussions, games or simulations, role-playing, written
    rehearsal, verbal feedback and coaching, visiting or telephoning
    family planning clinics and interviewing parents. Several
    curricula also used peer educators or videos of characters
    who resembled the students.
  • Provide
    basic, accurate information about risks or unprotected intercourse
    and methods of avoiding unprotected intercourse. The information
    should focus on basic facts needed to make behaviorally
    relevant decisions.
  • Include
    activities that address social pressures on sexual behaviors.
    Such pressures include media and social factors.
  • Reinforce
    clear and appropriate values and messages to strengthen
    individual values and group norms against unprotected sex.
  • Provide
    modeling and practice communication and negotiation skills.
  • Provide
    training for individuals implementing the program.