NCJ Number
126610
Journal
Sociology and Social Research Volume: 74 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 212-221
Date Published
1990
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an analysis of data form a survey of 263 heterosexual college students at the University of Rhode Island in April 1988. It focuses in particular on the distribution of AIDS knowledge among the student population as well as the methods by which such information is attained.
Abstract
Knowledge about AIDS is measured by a 10-item test of factual information about AIDS, and additional information is elicited regarding sexual behavior, gender, age, parents' marital status, religiousness, attitude toward premarital sex, and participation in exclusive relationship. Analysis of the data shows significant gender differences in sources of information as well as a different motivation and learning process. Females are more apt to obtain their information through formal instruction, whereas males get knowledge from print or broadcast media. The greatest gender difference was the influence of involvement in an exclusive relationship followed by parents' marital status. AIDS knowledge was greater for females than for the males in exclusive relationships. 1 note and 12 references