A survey of HIV‐ and AIDS‐related knowledge, beliefs and attitudes among 14‐year‐olds in Nottinghamshire

Abstract

A survey of the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS was carried out, using a self‐completion questionnaire, on 803 14‐year‐old pupils in 13 schools in Nottinghamshire. Knowledge levels of the main transmission routes for HIV were found to be high but with some confusion surrounding the safety of kissing, receiving a blood transfusion in the UK and the donation of blood. The great majority (95 per cent) knew that the use of condoms during sexual intercourse reduced the risk of HIV infection, expressed positive attitudes towards condom use and felt that they knew how to use them. Most did not want to see children with HIV excluded from school, but a sizeable minority (29 per cent) thought that everyone in school had a right to know who these children are. Recommendations are drawn from the findings of the survey for the planning of HIV and AIDS education programmes under the new legal framework for sex education in schools in England.