Comparison of adolescents' HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy across two cultures
Mahat, G.; Scoloveno, M.A.; Ayres, C.
Journal of Cultural Diversity 21(4): 152-158
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1071-5568 PMID: 25898500 Document Number: 635909
This study examines the effectiveness of a HIV/AIDS peer education program, Teens for AIDS Prevention (TAP) in two cultures. A convenience sample of 287 (American and Nepalese) 9th grade students participated in the study. It was found that HIV/AIDS knowledge scores were significantly higher among American adolescents than their Nepalese counterparts only at pre-intervention. American adolescents had significantly higher self-efficacy scores than Nepalese adolescents both at pre-intervention and post-intervention. Adolescent peer education programs could be used to improve adolescent HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy for limiting sexual risk behavior; however for the educational programs to be effective, it is pertinent that the program is culturally appropriate to the target population.