ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of the adult population in a largely rural, southeastern state without a state-mandated AIDS education curriculum, regarding the appropriateness of teaching various AIDS-related topics to sixth and ninth grade students. A random telephone poll of 654 respondents answered questions pertaining to the appropriateness of teaching delaying sexual activity, how to say “no” to sexual advances, the correct way to use a condom, the risk of AIDS, how to discuss condom use with a sexual partner, and the importance of not having premarital sex. Results indicate widespread support for teaching AIDS and sex education at the ninth grade level and, with the exception of teaching about correct condom use, at the sixth grade level. Males, older and married individuals, and people who strongly identified with their religion were less supportive of providing instruction about these topics at school. Implications for school policy makers are discussed.