Immune System Approach in Teaching AIDS to Youngsters: Two Unique Programs for Schools (From Global Impact of AIDS, P 341-345, 1988, Alan F Fleming, et al, -- See NCJ-115365)

• NCJ Number: 115381
• Author(s): I Schenker
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Alan R. Liss, Inc
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Two health education programs designed to teach school age children about AIDS combine the AIDS issue with education about the immune system, rather than linking it with sex education.

Abstract

Health educators in school settings have two challenges with respect to AIDS: 1) taking part in the prevention of the disease and 2) reducing fears and anxieties about AIDS in the general child population. It would be a disservice to pupils not to provide them with the opportunity to increase their awareness and to dispel misconceptions about AIDS. The author's educational programs were developed after consultation with experts in psychiatry and psychology. The content focuses on AIDS as a special infectious disease and not as a disease that is totally sexually transmitted. The first program has six units and is designed for student in grades six through nine. The second program is intended for students in grades 9 through 12. It uses some materials from the first program and places more emphasis on AIDS prevention. Class activities include a game, readings, discussions, slides, and role playing. Israeli experts from a variety of fields have reviewed and commented favorably on the programs, which are now under review in several other countries. These modular programs can be provided in schools by teachers, nurses, doctors, health educators, and other trained personnel.