Aids Health Promotion Programs Amongst Iranian Adolescents

Background and Objectives: AIDS is a preventable disease that is progressive and has social, cultural and economic aspects which is very broad and not only is a health issue but an important challenge that affects the way of progress. Iran is one of the countries in the Middle East that is facing with AIDS crisis and the number of young people contaminated is increasing dramatically. Over one-fifth of adolescents with AIDS are women. Improving the knowledge and modifying attitudes to prevention of AIDS amongst adolescents, especially girls in high school is very important. Therefore, this study sought to assess awareness and attitudes of high school students in Naghade City, Iran. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study that carried out among all girl high school students. Due to its large population, by using Cochrane test 381 students were chosen. Based on coherent approach and in order to collect data a questionnaire based on Likert scale was set. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire were considered similar to earlier research as .83 and .76. The questionnaires randomly were distributed among participants and then data analysed by using SPSS and relevant parametric tests. Results: The findings showed that attitudes and awareness levels was less than the mean value index. There were statistical differences between these variables and levels of education as pre-university students had in-depth knowledge and appropriate attitude towards AIDS. Conclusion: According to the findings, appropriate health promotion strategies about prevention of AIDS should be planned to increase awareness of female students. Furthermore, increasing public awareness, especially young people about these issues and planning suitable social and cultural programs to promote comprehensive cooperation with the beneficiary organisations and institutions are recommended.