Changes in HIV AIDS education, knowledge and attitudes among Scottish 15-16 year olds, 1990-1994: findings from the WHO: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study (HBSC)

There is concern about the high prevalence of adolescent sexual health prob lems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies , that currently exist in the UK. If young people are to reduce their risk from HIV/AIDS and other STDs it is imperative, in the first instance, they know what the risks are and how they can avoid them. However, effective sch ool-based sex education can only be delivered if there are accurate data on young people's current levels of knowledge and existing sex education need s. This paper details findings from the WHO: Health Behaviours of School-ag ed Children Study on the changes that have occurred between 1990 and 1994 i n Scottish school-children's knowledge, attitudes and perceived educational needs in relation to HIV/AIDS. There have been significant changes in know ledge and attitudes that may affect their sexual behaviour, e.g. in their a ttitudes to condom use, risk of HIV/AIDS and other STDs, and also other sex ual health problems, such as the risk of unwanted pregnancies and abortions . Finally, areas that require future research and recommendations for futur e sexual health education interventions are highlighted.