Document 0680
 DOCN  M94A0680
 TI    HIV/AIDS education and sex education: do they encourage sexual
       experimentation in youth?
 DT    9412
 AU    Grunseit AC; Kippax S; National Centre for HIV Social Research (MU),
       Macquarie; University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1993 Oct 28-30;5:42 (abstract no. TE9).
       Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM5/94348975
 AB    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.
 DE    Adolescence  Female  Human  HIV Infections/*PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/TRANSMISSION  Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Male  Pregnancy
       Risk-Taking  *Sex Behavior  *Sex Education  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).