A Study of AIDS Risk-Behavior Knowledge Among College Students: Another Facet of Teaching Social Responsibility

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of HIV/AIDS risk-behavior knowledge of students majoring in recreation and health-related fields. A total of 258 undergraduate and graduate students were surveyed. Over 50% of the participants believed that HIV can penetrate unbroken skin, over 40% believed that sharing kitchen utensils and a bathroom with a person with AIDS places one at risk for contracting AIDS, and nearly 25% believed that AIDS can be transmitted by mosquitoes and cockroaches. No significant relationship was found between participants' personal experience with people with AIDS and level of knowledge. Overall students demonstrated some knowledge of AIDS. However, there is still a great deal of misinformation regarding AIDS suggesting the need for incorporating HIV/AIDS information into the curriculum.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• HIV knowledge
• recreation students
• teaching for social responsibility

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Orazio “Ori” Caroleo

Biographical Information

Orazio Caroleo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Services, in the Recreation Education program at Lehman College of the City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Department of Health Services, Bronx, NY 10468