SWISS TEENAGERS, AIDS AND SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES - PRESENTATION AND EVALUATION OF A PREVENTIVE EXHIBITION

As part of a larger school-based health program for Swiss apprentices and students, an AIDS and sexually transmitted disease (STD) preventio n exhibition was offered to 7000 boys and girls aged 15-19. Its object ives were: (1) to reinforce their knowledge of STD and AIDS transmissi on and prevention, and (2) to modify their attitudes and behavior rega rding (a) the decision whether, when and how to have sex and (b) the u se of condoms. The exhibition consisted of six posters, reviewed by sp ecially-trained teachers and nurses. Condoms were presented in an amus ing way and were freely available. A case control follow-up survey was carried out 12 weeks later in two random sample: 798 subjects from an experimental school and 600 subjects from a control school completed an anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire. Of the respondents, 69% we re sexually active, and among this group, 76% of the boys and 59% of t he girls had used a condom at least once but only 15% used them regula rly. As regards knowledge, both groups reached high levels (75-97% of right answers); the group exposed to the exhibition scored higher for only two items (P < 0.05). Significantly more teenagers in the experim ental group said they had handled condoms or had condoms with them 'ju st in case ...'. This evaluation shows that an AIDS and STD prevention exhibition for teenagers may be both feasible and effective. However, future intervention programs should include practical interpersonal c ounseling on topics such as mutual trust, contraception issues, and th e purchase and use of condoms.