Date of Award

12-7-2007

Degree Type

Closed Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Russ Toal - Chair

Second Advisor

Quinn Gentry

Third Advisor

Valerie Hepburn

Abstract

Background: HIV is increasingly prevalent among youth in the US. Objective: To assess the impact of HIV/AIDS education on health-risk behaviors associated with HIV infection in the state of Georgia. Methods: Descriptive analyses of the 2005 Georgia Student Health Survey were conducted by cross-tabulating the presence of HIV/AIDS education and each of the health-risk behaviors of interest. In addition, a survey with a sample of metro Atlanta health educators that assessed ASK US was conducted and analyzed. Results: The percentage of Georgia high school students that had ever been taught about AIDS or HIV infection in school was 91.8% (n = 1,547).The only self-reported risk factor that appeared to have a relationship with HIV/AIDS education was binge drinking (p = 0.0060). Results of the health educator survey demonstrated that ASK US is a good HIV/AIDS education tool. Conclusions: Although HIV/AIDS education is widespread, the prevalence of various health-risk behaviors remain high and, therefore, different models of HIV/AIDS education may be called for.

Download

Share

COinS