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  • Title: Changes in university students' AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, 1988 and 1992.
    Author: Ramsum DL, Marion SA, Mathias RG.
    Journal: Can J Public Health; 1993; 84(4):275-8. PubMed ID: 8221503.
    Abstract:
    We evaluated changes in AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among students in residence at the University of British Columbia based on identical surveys conducted in 1988 and 1992. 493 randomly selected students in each year were sent a self-administered questionnaire on AIDS-related knowledge, fear of AIDS, homophobia, sexual behaviours, and intravenous drug use. AIDS-related knowledge was very high and increasing (p < 0.01) among respondents. Fear of AIDS and homophobia were low in both years. Intravenous drug use was reported by only one student in each year. Sexual activity was reported by 62% of students overall, with 25% of these reporting multiple sexual partners in the previous six months. 23% of sexually active students in 1988 and 40% in 1992 reported usually or always using condoms during intercourse. In spite of high levels of AIDS-related knowledge, a large, although decreasing, proportion of students have multiple partners without barrier protection. Nevertheless, the consistent presentation of the same public health message over several years is associated with substantial improvement in condom use. Health education increased the level of knowledge about high-risk sexual practices in the male gay population and reduced the frequency of their occurrence therein. It has generally been found among samples of nongay male and female university students, however, that while their related knowledge has increased, only a small percentage of students having intercourse use condoms consistently. This paper describes the research approach and presents findings of an investigation into changes in AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among students at the University of British Columbia. Identical questionnaires were provided to 493 randomly selected students in 1988 and 1992 on their AIDS-related knowledge, fear of AIDS, homophobia, sexual behaviors, and IV drug use. 243 participants of mean age 20.9 years responded in 1988, and 265 of mean age 20.4 years in 1992. 55% of respondents in 1988 were female compared to 58% in 1992. The surveys found high and increasing AIDS-related knowledge; low fear of AIDS and homophobia in both years; and only 1 student in each year reporting IV drug use. Of the 62% who reported being sexually active, 25% reported having sex with 2-7 partners in the previous 6 months. Only 23% of the sexually active students in 1988 and 40% in 1992 reported usually or always using condoms during intercourse. A large, yet decreasing, proportion of students therefore has sex with multiple partners without barrier protection despite being knowledgeable about the risks. The authors nonetheless associate the improvement in condom use with the consistent presentation of the same public health message over several years.
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