| This study examined the current state of sexuality and HIV education of young adults as well as the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors associated with HIV infection of those students. The population consisted of young adults age 18--21 who had recently graduated from public schools in Kansas. From this population, a random sample of 2,200 individuals were contacted by electronic mail and asked to participate in an on-line survey, housed on a web-based survey site http://www.surveymonkey.com. It was found that those respondents (n = 410) who received different types of sexuality education (abstinence-only, abstinence-based, or no sexuality education) had differing levels of knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors. Specifically, students who reported an abstinence-based sexuality education scored significantly higher (more positive) on the HIV knowledge, attitude, and risk behavior scales than those reporting an abstinence-only sexuality education (p < .001). Further, it was discovered that the mean scores on the HIV knowledge, attitudes, and risk behavior scales were higher (more positive) in the no sexuality education group when compared to the abstinence-only group, and significantly so on the HIV risk behaviors scales. Results of this study provide school administrators, educators, and researchers scientific evidence towards the effectiveness of abstinence-based sexuality education and guidance for future research and educational interventions aimed at controlling HIV infection. |
