The Effect of Knowledge About AIDS on Perceived Susceptibility to Acquiring HIV Among College Students

Although much research has been conducted on knowledge, attitudes, and prevention of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in urban areas of the United States, relatively little attention has been focused on rural areas of the country. This study investigated the relationship between level of AIDS-related knowledge and perceived susceptibility to acquiring the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a sample of college students (N = 49) from a small university in western Kansas . Data were obtained through the use of a Knowledge About AIDS (KAA) questionnaire and a questionnaire measuring perceived susceptibility to HIV. A pretest/posttest control group design was utilized. Subjects in the experimental group viewed an educational film entitled, Sex, Drugs, and AIDS, prior to completing the posttest measure. It was found that although students have an adequate understanding of AIDS and its routes of transmission, they generally perceive themselves to be at minimal risk of acquiring the HIV. Due to the fact that the prevalence of AIDS in rural areas is rising drastically, and that college students are at high risk of acquiring the disease (DiClemente, Forrest, & Mickler, 1990), it is hoped that the results of this investigation will be utilized to help develop an AIDS education and prevention program for college students at rural campuses