AIDS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS AMONG DEAF COLLEGE-STUDENTS -A PRELIMINARY-STUDY

Due to the dearth of knowledge in the literature related to any aspect of AIDS in the deaf community, a sample (N=84) of deaf undergraduate students at Gallaudet University was surveyed in order to determine le vels of AIDS knowledge, AIDS-related attitudes and sexual behavior pat terns among the sample. Results indicate that the students in the samp le have relatively high levels of general knowledge about AIDS. Howeve r, the high levels of AIDS knowledge-and a reported moderate degree of comfort in discussing safe sex issues with sexual partners-among this sample do not correlate with less risky sexual behaviors. Results ind icate that many of the students may be placing themselves at risk for AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases. Implications of the stud y for social workers and other practitioners are presented and suggest ions for future research are offered.