Change over time: High school students' behaviours and beliefs, 1992 to 1997

This paper presents findings from; national surveys of Year 10 and Year 12 high school students conducted in 1992 and 1997. in both surveys, informati on was-sought about students' sexual practices, attitudes; and knowledge, e nabling change over time to be documented. The results provide an encouragi ng picture for HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Australia. Most of the pre-19 92:gains have been sustained five years later. Levels of knowledge about HI V/AIDS remain high. and the majority of students continue to feel confident in communicating about sex and discussing condoms with their partners. The number of young people having sex was unchanged in the five-year period be tween surveys. but there is evidence theta cultural change in the direction of safer sex practices continues. Students in 1997 reported greater use of condoms and fewer partners than did their 1992 peers. in both surveys, mos t students reported non-discriminatory attitudes. although the 1997 student s were, on the whole. more tolerant than those surveyed in 1992. This compa rative study suggests that prevention education efforts have been effective and continue to be so. Nevertheless, some students report lack of confiden ce in dealing with sex and condoms, and poor communication skills, as well as inappropriate reasons for their perceived low risk of infection. These s uggest that education efforts must be maintained so that the gains made ove r the past five years can be supplemented by further gains in the next five -year period.