KNOWLEDGE OF AIDS AND SAFER SEX PRACTICES AMONG COLLEGE-FRESHMEN

We assessed knowledge of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and of safer sex practices among college freshmen. A second purpose o f the study was to assess this knowledge among black as well as white students. Students attending classes at three private colleges in a la rge southern city were asked to participate in the study. Respondents completed the modified AIDS information survey, the knowledge of safe sex practices questionnaire, and a demographic data sheet. A total of 689 questionnaires were received from single college freshmen. The res ults indicated that respondents were knowledgeable about the cause and transmission of AIDS but were less knowledgeable about medical aspect s. Most knew that condoms are effective in preventing the spread of AI DS, but fewer could differentiate between the effectiveness of latex a nd nonlatex condoms. These findings are useful to health educators in improving AIDS education programs.