EFFICACY OF AIDS PREVENTION TRAINING PROGRAM ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF CHABAHAR SAILORS, IRAN

: Background: AIDS is one of the epidemic diseases around the world and in the developing countries in particular. To define the pattern of transmission of AIDS in the southern regions of Sistan-va-Baluchestan province namely Chabahar this research was done on Chabahar sailors traveling regularly between Chabahar and overseas. Material and Methods: This research is a Quasi-Experimental study carried out with 130 participants. Questionnaires were used as the data collection tool. Questionnaires were completed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the sailors about AIDS. Then training programs including the educational materials, lectures, face to face discussions, and educational films were presented. Knowledge, attitude and practice of the sailors were evaluated for the second time two months after the educational programs. The data were analyzed according to suitable statistical methods. Results: 21% of sailors had history of sexual intercourse while residing in abroad; and our health educational programs promoted knowledge (27.74 vs. 36.33), attitude (29.45 vs. 42.48) and practice (23.91 vs. 30.45) significantly. Conclusion: Use different educational methods for improvement of knowledge, attitude, and practice of sailors (as a high risk group) have to be considered seriously and by health managers.