HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Perceptions Among African American Male and Female College Students at a Historical Black University

Abstract

With the incidence of HIV/AIDS infection continuing to increase among young, African Americanmen andwomen, it is necessary to examine the breadth of their knowledge on HIV prevention strategies.

This study assesses the reported knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of students attending a Southern urban commuter campus at a Historically Black University. Major differences among males and females, as well as factors influencing testing, issues of safer sex, and perceptions of being HIV infected are examined. The cross-sectional survey data was collected using a self-administered instrument with 238 African American female and male students. Knowledge of transmission was relatively accurate. The majority of students were aware of testing services available to them, though less than 50% of the students reported using services on campus or in their community. There were several significant genderdifferences in attitudes and knowledge about social supports and condom use. The findings are important for social service providers to consider when developing and/or integrating HIV prevention into a culturally responsive service delivery approach.

Key Words:

• HIV
• AIDS
• prevention
• education
• African American
• college students