Clinic-Based AIDS Education Programs for Adolescent Females

Guide to Effective Programs
for Children and Youth

CLINIC-BASED AIDS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

FOR ADOLESCENT FEMALES

OVERVIEW

An experimental study compared three clinic-based AIDS education programs for adolescent females. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group, an education group, or an enhanced education group. Subjects assigned to the education conditions were no more likely to redeem coupons for free condoms than were subjects assigned to the control condition. Furthermore, subjects from the education conditions did not differ significantly from control subjects on post-test assessments of personal preventative attitudes, attitudes towards persons with AIDS, or perception of the seriousness of AIDS. Subjects from the education conditions did score significantly higher than control subjects on a post-test measure of AIDS knowledge, however. Enhanced education subjects did not differ significantly from education subjects on this measure.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM

Target population: adolescent females

This study compared three clinic-based AIDS education programs for adolescent females. The control program consisted of a question and answer session with an expert on AIDS. The education program consisted of a lecture on AIDS that was in line with guidelines published by the Center for Disease Control. This lecture included information on HIV, how AIDS is transmitted, and preventative measures. The enhanced education condition consisted of this same lecture and a viewing of “Condom Sense” – a 25-minute, humorous video that demonstrates the purpose and use of condoms.

EVALUATION(S) OF PROGRAM

Rickert, V. I., Gottlieb, A., & Jay, M. S. (1989). A Comparison of Three Clinic-Based AIDS Education Programs on Female Adolescents’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior. Journal of Adolescent Health Care, 11, 298-303.

Evaluated population: 75 females between the ages of 13 and 21 served as the study sample for this investigation. All subjects were sexually active and were patients at adolescent medical clinics at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. 53% of subjects were black; 47% were white.

Approach: Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group, an education group, and an enhanced education group. All subjects took part in a small group session with one to four members of their group. Subjects assigned to the control group were given the opportunity to ask questions about AIDS during their small group session. Subjects assigned to the education group received a brief lecture on AIDS and were given the opportunity to ask questions. Subjects assigned to the enhanced education group received a brief lecture on AIDS, were given the opportunity to ask questions, and watched a videotape about condoms. All subjects received a coupon for free condoms and an educational booklet at the end of their sessions. Subjects completed post-test measures immediately upon completion of the small group sessions.

Results: Subjects assigned to the education conditions were no more likely to redeem coupons for free condoms than were subjects assigned to the control condition. Furthermore, subjects from the education conditions did not differ significantly from control subjects on post-test assessments of personal preventative attitudes, attitudes towards persons with AIDS, or perception of the seriousness of AIDS. Subjects from the education conditions did score significantly higher than control subjects on a post-test measure of AIDS knowledge, however. Enhanced education subjects did not differ significantly from education subjects on this measure. The subgroup of enhanced education adolescents who had purchased condoms in the past were significantly more likely to obtain free condoms from the on-site pharmacy.

SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION

Curriculum materials unavailable for purchase.

References:

Program categorized in this guide according to the following:

Evaluated participant ages: 13-21

Program age ranges in the guide: Adolescence, Youth

Program components: Clinic/Provider-Based

Measured outcomes: Reproductive Health

Program information last updated on 9/18/07.