Grunseit AC, Kippax S; Australasian Society for HIV Medicine. Conference.
Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1993 Oct 28-30; 5: 42 (abstract no. TE9).
National Centre for HIV Social Research (MU), Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.
INTRODUCTION: The provision of HIV/AIDS & sexuality education (SE) to young people is one of the most hotly debated issues facing educationists today. A major point of friction is whether exposure to HIV/AIDS &/or SE encourages sexual experimentation. To investigate this question, a literature review by the Macquarie University Unit was commissioned by the Social & Behavioural Unit of the Global Programme on AIDS (WHO). METHOD: 14 databases were searched & articles from international experts in the field were sought. Only studies documenting the effect of HIV/AIDS &/or SE on behaviour (as opposed to knowledge & attitudes) were included. RESULTS: In general, the studies indicated that HIV/AIDS &/or SE programs have a limited impact on the sexual behaviour of young people: If there is an effect, it is generally in the direction of less or safer sexual behaviour with respect to HIV (or other STD) transmission & unplanned pregnancy. The greatest impact is obtained if education takes place prior to onset of sexual activity. CONCLUSION: This study shows that failing to provide appropriate & timely information on HIV & sexuality for fear of condoning & encouraging sexual activity is not only based on assumptions that are not borne out by objective analysis, but the opportunity of reducing the unwanted outcomes of unintended pregnancy & STD transmission is missed, & is therefore in the disservice of our youth.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Behavior
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Education
- Humans
- Pregnancy
- Sex Education
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexuality
- education
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102207959
From Meeting Abstracts