AIDS Essay, Research Paper

Adults (over the age of 18) from the company and other people who I know were

randomly assigned to receive the survey. The group includes married males and

females as well as single male and females. There are 19 female and 31 male

subjects. A survey consisting of twenty statements concerning sexually

transmitted disease and HIV infection. The survey was designed by myself . The

purpose of the survey is to measure participants awareness of AIDS and sexually

transmitted diseases. I am trying to show that people are not well informed

about subjects such as condom use, condom use and alcohol, transmission of

sexual diseases, and the magnitude of the AIDS problem. Subjects are asked to

choose the level with which they agree or disagree with each statement. There

are two levels of agreement and two levels of disagreement. See appendix A. A

consent form was signed by all participants. See appendix B. Results t-test*: t

(48) = -2.2185, p * .0313 | | | df cv pv Variable N Mean Std Dev. Minimum

Maximum Q1 50 1.420 0 .810 1.00 4.00 Q10 49 1.408 0.810 1.00 4.00 Q15 50 1.320 0

.621 1.00 4.00 Q3 48 3.396 0.869 1.00 4.00 Q9 50 3.240 0.822 1.00 4.00 Q6 50

3.220 0.834 1.00 4.00 Q16 50 3.100 0.621 1.00 4.00 Methods Subjects Adults (over

the age of 18) from the company and other people who I know were randomly

assigned to receive the survey. The group includes married males and females as

well as single male and females. There are 19 female and 21 male subjects. Ages

ranged from late teens to early fifties, with the majority being in their

twenties. Independent variable Questions 6, 9, 13, and 16 on the survey. I would

be comfortable eating lunch with someone with HIV or AIDS. I would be

comfortable shaking hands with someone who has AIDS. I am very well informed

about HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. I would not have

unprotected sex with someone unless they got tested first. Dependent Variable.

Awareness and education of AIDS and sexually transmitted disease. Operational

Definition Awareness and education of AIDS and sexually transmitted disease

equals a total score of 12 or higher on questions 6, 9, 13, and 16 of the

survey. Procedures A survey consisting of twenty statements concerning sexually

transmitted disease and AIDS was given to fifty subjects. A t test was performed

on the results as well as a comparison of male vs. Female scores on the

Awareness and Education variable. Discussion Results of the survey have shown a

need for additional education of males concerning AIDS awareness and education.

Females, (89%) did very well on the variable which was measured for satisfactory

knowledge and awareness of AIDS and sexually transmitted disease. Males, (65%)

did also score well on this variable. This leaves us with 35% of the males

needing more education and 11% of the females needing to increase there

awareness and education. The rather large number of males needing further

education tend to support my hypotheses that yes more education is necessary. I

was pleased to see that on the whole, people are better informed than I had

originally hypothesized as demonstrated by the scores reported for specific

question. The lowest score or strongest disagreement was on the statement that

AIDS was no longer a big issue. People also realize that just having one sex

partner at a time is not enough to protect you from AIDS as demonstrated by

their response to number 10. The strongest agreement with statements on the

survey concerned worrying about children’s future. This being the case, why is

it that behavior as is described in my research does not reflect this knowledge?

People know what they need to do to reduce their chances of exposure to AIDS and

sexually transmitted disease but they fail to do it. The research concentrated

on students who are exposed to much more information about AIDS than adults who

are out of the educational system. Further education about the dangers of

unprotected sex is needed as the study suggest, but we also need to understand

why education is not enough. We desperately need to develop behaviors which will

protect us from sexually transmitted disease and AIDS. Education Needed for

AIDS, HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sexually transmitted diseases are a

major health concern for our country. With the spread of AIDS among so many

people, both gay and heterosexual, it is important that we understand how these

diseases spread and what we can do to prevent them. Continuing efforts to

educate college students about the dangers of unprotected sex have resulted in

little evidence of positive change in sexual behavior (Saywer & Moss, 93).

During the 1980s, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the cause of

AIDS, emerged as a leading cause of death in the United.States). In 1993, HIV

infection became the most common cause of death among persons aged 25-44

years.(Center for Disease Control) Because of the long latency period for HIV a

large number of these people may have become infected during the ages of 18 to

24 the ages of most college students. One of the national health objectives for

the year 2000 for the college age population is a reduction in unintended

pregnancy and transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including and HIV

/AIDS.. Studies have shown a need for educational interventions and future

in-depth studies of college students. An example is a study which showed that a

group of college males who had a history of sexually transmitted diseases, high

numbers of sexual partners and inconsistent condom use still perceived their

risk of HIV/AIDS infection as very low.(Sawyer and Moss, 93). College students

are thought to be at high risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases because of

their high level of sexual activity and their potential for multiple sex

partners Studies have shown that even students who consider themselves in long

term relationships often experience casual sex with another partner ( Sawyer and

Moss,93 ). Multiple partners seem to be the norm rather than the exception.

Sawyer and Moss (1993), reported that 21% of the men sampled have had 2 to 3

sexual partners,33% 4 to 6 partners and 39% 7 or more sexual partners. Another

study reported an average of 6 different lifetime partners among female college

students. ( Kusseling, Wenger and Shapiro 95 ) It becomes very obvious that with

this type of activity occurring, the need for protection from STD is very

important. The most obvious and easiest course of action would be for college

students to abstain from sex, have a monogamous relationship with someone who is

not infected, or reduce the risk of infection by using condoms, but this is not

happening as the following studies have shown. Nicholas D. Ritchie, PhD, and

Adelaide Getty, RN, BHS, CHES (1994). Francoise S. Kusseling, MOB; Neil S.

Wenger, MD, MPH; and Martin F. Shapiro, MD, PhD. (1995). Barbara A De Buono,M.D.,

M.P.H., Stephen H Zinner, M.D., Maxim Daamen, M.D., and William M. McCormack,

M.D. (1989). Anita Raj, M.S., and Robert H Pollack, PhD., (1995). Tina M.

Brien,MSEd; Dennis L. Thombs, PhD; Colleen A. Mahoney,PhD; and Larry Wallnau,

PhD. (1993) Robin G Sawyer,Phd, and Donald J. Moss, MD. (1993) Condom use by

female college students was reported to be 23% initially and 27% after a six

month follow up, in a study of women attending a health clinic ( Kusseling,

Wenger and Shapiro 95 ) Another study designed to compare college women’s sexual

activity before and after the start of the current HIV and genital herpes virus

epidemic, concluded that there had been little change is sexual practices with

the exception of increased use of condoms which still had not reached the 50%

point (DeBuno, Zinner, Daamen, McCormack 90). Another study of college females

done in 95 showed that 64% did not regularly use condoms ( Raj and Pollack ,95

). In one study done by Sawyer and Moss,(1993 ) of college men reporting to a

clinic for treatment of an Sexually Transmitted Diseases 75% of the subjects

reported never or only occasionally using condoms. One of the reasons that

students do not use condoms is because they consume alcohol before they engage

in sex. The alcohol acts as a disinhibitor effecting the students judgment to

have sex and whether or not to use condoms for protection. In one study of 243

college students 81% of students over 21 said that they had at least once had

sex because of intoxication. ( Butcher,Manning,O’Neal, 91have sex due to

intoxication. Over 18% of students in another study said that they had abandoned

safe sex techniques due to alcohol (Meilmand, (1993). The dangerous interaction

between alcohol use and high risk sexual activities suggested that college HIV

prevention efforts should make the connection between the two risk factors

explicit. ( Butcher,Manning,O’Neal, 91). Other reasons for the lack of condom

use among college students are their lack of confidence in discussing and using

condoms. Some of the lack of confidence in discussing condom use is that many

students are afraid that their partner will think that either they have a

disease or that they are afraid of catching one from them . Either way they feel

there is a very high chance of rejection if the topic of condoms were brought

up. Communication self- efficacy was the best discriminator between those who

initiate discussion about condom use and those who don’t. They felt confident in

their ability to insist on condom use and to handle any arguments that might

come up.(Brien, Thombs, Mahoney, and Wallnau. 1993). It is important that we

recognize the need for education about AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases .

This study will investigate peoples understanding of AIDS, HIV and sexually

transmitted diseases. It will show that more education is necessary to help

control the spread of these diseases . Students have been given the most

education about AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases yet they do not have an

accurate understanding of their chances of getting AIDS. The general population

doesn’t have exposure to all of the AIDS awareness training that the students do

so I feel that they will know even less. The hypothesis for this research is the

following. People do not have an accurate understanding of AIDS, HIV and

sexually transmitted diseases. More education is needed for the general

population. Education Needed for AIDS, HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

_____________________ Sexually transmitted diseases are a major health concern

for our country. With the spread of AIDS among so many people, both gay and

heterosexual, it is important that we understand how these diseases spread and

what we can do to prevent them. During the 1980s, human immunodeficiency virus

(HIV) infection, the cause of AIDS, emerged as a leading cause of death in the

United.States). In 1993, HIV infection became the most common cause of death

among persons aged 25-44 years.(Center for Disease Control) Studies have shown a

need for educational interventions and future in-depth studies of college

students. An example is a study which showed that a group of college males who

had a history of sexually transmitted diseases, high numbers of sexual partners

and inconsistent condom use still perceived their risk of HIV/AIDS infection as

very low.(Sawyer and Moss, 93). This study will investigate peoples

understanding of AIDS, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. It will show that

more education is necessary to help control the spread of these diseases .The

hypothesis for this research is the following. People do not have an accurate

understanding of AIDS, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. More education is

needed for the general population. Sexually transmitted diseases are a major

health concern for our country. With the spread of AIDS among so many people,

both gay and heterosexual, it is important that we understand how these diseases

spread and what we can do to prevent them. During the 1980s, human

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the cause of AIDS, emerged as a leading

cause of death in the United.States). In 1993, HIV infection became the most

common cause of death among persons aged 25-44 years.(Center for Disease

Control) Studies have shown a need for educational interventions and future

in-depth studies of college students. An example is a study which showed that a

group of college males who had a history of sexually transmitted diseases, high

numbers of sexual partners and inconsistent condom use still perceived their

risk of HIV/AIDS infection as very low.(Sawyer and Moss, 93). College students

are probably the best informed about AIDS and yet they still need more education

as their sexual behavior indicates. If this group of well educated individuals

needs more education, what does the general public need in the area of AIDS and

sexually transmitted disease education. The way most people learn is through the

news, magazines and the newspaper. I do not think that this is enough.This study

will investigate peoples understanding of AIDS, HIV and sexually transmitted

diseases. It will show that more education is necessary to help control the

spread of these diseases .The hypothesis for this research is the following.

People do not have an accurate understanding of AIDS, HIV and sexually

transmitted diseases. More education is needed for the general population.

SURVEY Survey instructions The following questions are a survey being done for a

Psychology 221 research course. There are 20 questions about your ideas, beliefs

and sexual behavior related to HIV and Sexually transmitted diseases. The time

to complete this survey should be 15 to 20 minutes, so please take your time and

consider each question carefully and try to answer as truthfully as possible.

The survey is completely confidential as I will not ask for your name or student

ID. Number. The purpose of this survey is to better understand the need for HIV

and Sexually Transmitted Diseases education. If at any time you do not feel

comfortable responding to a statement you may skip it or decide to stop taking

the survey. If you decide to stop taking the survey and leave please take the

unfinished survey with you to discard to assure your privacy. Each statement is

responded to by circling the most correct number under each statement. Your

answers are numbered from 1 through 4. Below is a chart explaining the rating

for each answer. 1. Totally disagree or None of the time 2. Disagree somewhat or

Sometimes 3. Agree somewhat or Usually 4. Totally agree or All the time Consent

Form Date____________ I, _________________________, state that I am over 18

years of age and that I voluntarily agree to participate in a research project

conducted by ______________ psychology student at ______. The research is being

conducted in order to better understand the need for HIV and Sexually

Transmitted Disease education. The specific task I will perform requires me to

fill out a survey about my beliefs about HIV and sexually transmitted diseases,

my chances of getting the HIV virus and my beliefs concerning condom use and

safe sex practices.. I will not be asked to identify myself in relation to the

survey which I fill out. I acknowledge that ______________ has explained the

task to me fully; has informed me that I may withdraw from participation at any

time without prejudice or penalty; has offered to answer any questions I might

have concerning the research procedure; has assured me that any information that

I give will be used for research purposes only and will be kept confidential. I

also acknowledge that the benefits derived from, or rewards given for, my

participation have been fully explained to me-as well as alternative methods if

available, for earning these rewards-and that I have been promised, upon

completion of the research task, a brief description of the role my specific

performance plays in this project. There will be no reimbursement for your

participation from me (_____________) or the school. __________________________

___________________________ SIGNATURE OF RESEARCHER SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT

__________________ Education Needed for AIDS, HIV and Sexually Transmitted

Diseases Abstract Results of the survey have shown a need for additional

education of males concerning AIDS awareness and education. Females, (89%) did

very well on the variable which was measured for satisfactory knowledge and

awareness of AIDS and sexually transmitted disease. Males, (65%) did also score

well on this variable. This leaves us with 35% of the males needing more

education and 11% of the females needing to increase there awareness and

education. The rather large number of males needing further education tend to

support my hypotheses that yes more education is necessary. On the whole, people

are better informed than had originally been hypothesized. Measures Survey My

age is___________ My sex is___________ My education level is______________ Check

one, I am single _________, married __________, divorced __________ I have

children and their ages are 1-10 _____, 11-15______, 16-20_____, 21+ _____ 1.

Aids is a lower income and gay problem, I don’t need to worry. 2. I would never

go out with someone who was HIV positive, or who had AIDS. 3. I worry about my

children’s future and them getting AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

4. People now have fewer sex partners due to AIDS. 5. People use condoms more

frequently because of AIDS. 6. I would be comfortable eating lunch with someone

with HIV or AIDS. 7. People do not use condoms as much after they have been

drinking. 8. People know enough about AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. 9.

I would be comfortable shaking hands with someone who has AIDS. 10. As long as

you only have one sex partner you are safe. 11. I don’t worry about sexually

transmitted diseases. 12. I believe that our educational system has been

effective in presenting AIDS related information to students. 13. I am very well

informed about HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. 14. We spend

too much money on AIDS related research. It would be better spent on cancer

research which is more important. 15. I do not think HIV and AIDS is such a big

problem anymore. 16. I would not have unprotected sex with someone unless they

got tested first. 17. People are more likely to become sexually involved if they

have been drinking. 18. I would feel comfortable discussing condom use with a

potential sexual partner before ever having any sexual contact. 19. Most single

people usually have had a few drinks before they have sex. 20. People who get

HIV and AIDS kind of deserve it for being stupid

1———-2—————-3——————4 Circle 1 for totally disagree 2

for somewhat disagree 3 for somewhat agree 4 totally agree

Nicholas D. Ritchie, PhD, and Adelaide Getty, RN, BHS, CHES (1994). Did an

AIDS peer education program change first-year college students’ behaviors? The

journal of American college Health , January vol 42, 163-166 Dona Schneider,

PhD, MPH; Micheal R. Greenberg, PhD; Monica Devanas, PhD; Anu Sajja, MPH; Fern

Goodhart, CHES; and David Burns, AM (1994). Evaluating HIV/AIDS Education in the

University Setting. Journal of American College Health, vol 43, 11-15. James

Jaccard, PhD; Ruth Andrea Levinson, PhD; and Luann Beamer, MA. (1994). Student

Opinion Leaders and HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Risk Behavior. Journal of American

College Health, 1995, vol 43, (5) March, p 216- 223 Barbara A De Buono,M.D.,

M.P.H., Stephen H Zinner, M.D., Maxim Daamen, M.D., and William M. McCormack,

M.D. (1989). Sexual behavior of college women in 1975, 1986, and 1989. New

England Journal of Medicine, 1990 vol 322 (12), March. P 821-825 Robin G

Sawyer,Phd, and Donald J. Moss, MD. (1993). Sexually transmitted diseases in

college men: A preliminary clinical investigation. Journal of American College

Health 1993, vol 42 (3) November, p111-115 Anita Raj, M.S., and Robert H

Pollack, PhD., (1995). Factors predicting High-Risk sexual behavior in

hetrosexual college females. Journal of sex and marital Therapy, Vol. 21, No.3,

Fall, 213-223 Francoise S. Kusseling, MOB; Neil S. Wenger, MD, MPH; and Martin

F. Shapiro, MD, PhD. (1995). Inconsistent Contraceptive Use Among Female College

Students: Implications for Intervention. Vol 43,march191-194 Tina M. Brien,MSEd;

Dennis L. Thombs, PhD; Colleen A. Mahoney,PhD; and Larry Wallnau, PhD.

Dimensions of Self-Efficacy Among Three Distinct Groups of Condom Users. Journal

of American College Health Vol 42 January Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1996 Vol. 45, No. 6 February 16

Philip W Meilman PhD. Alcohol Induced Sexual Behavior on Campus. Journal of

American College Health. Vol 42, (1) July 1993 p 27-31