Psychological Reports, 1992, 71, 649-650. O Psychological Reports 1992
STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE O F AIDS A N D SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR' HEATHER E. HAYS
Chauminade Univerrii~of Honolulu
AND
J. RAY HAYS
University of Teras Medical School Houston
Summary.--College students appear to be knowledgeable of the methods of transmission and risks of the AIDS virus. However, the reality of susceptibility to infection does not seem to have altered their conduct. In a studv of 19 heterosexual college students, knowledge and intention do not appear to be good predictors of sexual behavior. Young people appear to continue tugh-risk sexual behavior even while knowledgeable of the risks of AIDS.
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AIDS is the most significant public health problem facing the world. The AIDS virus strikes all segments of society, including individuals who engage in high-risk sexual behavior, not just homosexuals or i.v. drug users. However, young people see themselves as invulnerable and indestructible (2). The college years are the first opportunity for many individuals to separate from their families and is a time of experimentation with such things as drugs, alcohol, and sex. These are a l l potentially destructive, although sexual behavior has generally not been regarded as dangerous. Knowledge of how AIDS information and sexual conduct interact in the college population is important from an educational and public health standpoint. To explore this relationship, a sample of students in several classes at Chauminade University were given a questionnaire examining knowledge, opinions, and behaviors associated with AIDS and sexuality. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. A total of 19 questionnaires were returned, with the sample consisting of 15 women and 4 men and a n ethnic makeup which was 47% Caucasian, 26% Asian, 10% black, and 17% ocher. The students' knowledge of AIDS appeared good. The students knew that AIDS destroys the immune system (95%) and that AIDS is a problem not just with high-risk groups such as heroin users, addicts, and homosexuals (95%). However, they were misinformed on knowing that AIDS results in death, with only 21% indicating that this was the outcome of the disease process. No differences were observed between the sexes in knowledge of AIDS. All 19 respondents indicated they were heterosexual. One woman indicated that she was not sexually active. Of the rest of the sample, all 18 in-
'This study was conducted by H E H as part of a research methods class taught by Bryan Man, Ph.D. Reprints may be re uested from J. Ray Hays, Ph D , J.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas ~ e d i c a ?School Houston, PO Box 20708. Houston, TX 77225.
650
H. E. HAYS & J. R. HAYS
dicated they engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, including such behaviors as having two or more sexual partners, having a bisexual partner, not using condoms, having "one-night stands," or having anal intercourse. Despite these high-risk behaviors, of the 18 who indicated they engaged in hgh-risk sexual behavior 16, or 90%, indicated that they were at no risk for contracting AIDS, which is inaccurate based on their stated behavior. Previous studies have indicated that homosexuals have altered their highrisk behavior as a result of knowledge of AIDS transmission. This behavioral shift does not seem to have occurred in this college student sample. This is not a new phenomenon. Knowledge and intention are not good predictors of sexual behaviors (I). The conclusion is that college students continue highrisk sexual behavior even in the presence of their knowledge of AIDS. It may be that their behavior will not change until the reality of AIDS touches this group. REFERENCES 1. KATZMAN,E. M., MULHOLLAND, M., & SUTHERLAND, E. M. (1988) College students and AIDS: a preliminary survw of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Journal of American College Health, 37, 127-130 2. ROSCOE,B., & SKOMSKI,G. G. (1989) Residence hall students' knowledge and attitudes related to AIDS and AIDS cducauon programs. College Student Journal, 23, 59-66.
Accepted July 31, 1992.
STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE O F AIDS A N D SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR' HEATHER E. HAYS
Chauminade Univerrii~of Honolulu
AND
J. RAY HAYS
University of Teras Medical School Houston
Summary.--College students appear to be knowledgeable of the methods of transmission and risks of the AIDS virus. However, the reality of susceptibility to infection does not seem to have altered their conduct. In a studv of 19 heterosexual college students, knowledge and intention do not appear to be good predictors of sexual behavior. Young people appear to continue tugh-risk sexual behavior even while knowledgeable of the risks of AIDS.
-
AIDS is the most significant public health problem facing the world. The AIDS virus strikes all segments of society, including individuals who engage in high-risk sexual behavior, not just homosexuals or i.v. drug users. However, young people see themselves as invulnerable and indestructible (2). The college years are the first opportunity for many individuals to separate from their families and is a time of experimentation with such things as drugs, alcohol, and sex. These are a l l potentially destructive, although sexual behavior has generally not been regarded as dangerous. Knowledge of how AIDS information and sexual conduct interact in the college population is important from an educational and public health standpoint. To explore this relationship, a sample of students in several classes at Chauminade University were given a questionnaire examining knowledge, opinions, and behaviors associated with AIDS and sexuality. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. A total of 19 questionnaires were returned, with the sample consisting of 15 women and 4 men and a n ethnic makeup which was 47% Caucasian, 26% Asian, 10% black, and 17% ocher. The students' knowledge of AIDS appeared good. The students knew that AIDS destroys the immune system (95%) and that AIDS is a problem not just with high-risk groups such as heroin users, addicts, and homosexuals (95%). However, they were misinformed on knowing that AIDS results in death, with only 21% indicating that this was the outcome of the disease process. No differences were observed between the sexes in knowledge of AIDS. All 19 respondents indicated they were heterosexual. One woman indicated that she was not sexually active. Of the rest of the sample, all 18 in-
'This study was conducted by H E H as part of a research methods class taught by Bryan Man, Ph.D. Reprints may be re uested from J. Ray Hays, Ph D , J.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas ~ e d i c a ?School Houston, PO Box 20708. Houston, TX 77225.
650
H. E. HAYS & J. R. HAYS
dicated they engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, including such behaviors as having two or more sexual partners, having a bisexual partner, not using condoms, having "one-night stands," or having anal intercourse. Despite these high-risk behaviors, of the 18 who indicated they engaged in hgh-risk sexual behavior 16, or 90%, indicated that they were at no risk for contracting AIDS, which is inaccurate based on their stated behavior. Previous studies have indicated that homosexuals have altered their highrisk behavior as a result of knowledge of AIDS transmission. This behavioral shift does not seem to have occurred in this college student sample. This is not a new phenomenon. Knowledge and intention are not good predictors of sexual behaviors (I). The conclusion is that college students continue highrisk sexual behavior even in the presence of their knowledge of AIDS. It may be that their behavior will not change until the reality of AIDS touches this group. REFERENCES 1. KATZMAN,E. M., MULHOLLAND, M., & SUTHERLAND, E. M. (1988) College students and AIDS: a preliminary survw of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Journal of American College Health, 37, 127-130 2. ROSCOE,B., & SKOMSKI,G. G. (1989) Residence hall students' knowledge and attitudes related to AIDS and AIDS cducauon programs. College Student Journal, 23, 59-66.
Accepted July 31, 1992.
