Geographical variations in AIDS knowledge and attitude among adolescent girls of Jamaica.

ABSTRACT

PIP: This paper examines geographical differences in AIDS knowledge and attitudes among adolescent girls in Jamaica. A total of 900 respondents aged 14-17 were chosen; 714 of them were from urban areas, and 186 were from rural areas. Questions covered awareness of AIDS existence, information sources, the number of persons with AIDS the respondent was aware of, knowledge of AIDS transmission, and knowledge of risks. Findings showed that geography influenced the levels of knowledge and attitudes of adolescent girls toward AIDS. Young women who lived in more central areas were had an advantage over girls in remote areas with respect to access to AIDS information. It was concluded that efforts toward the dissemination of AIDS information to adolescents in rural areas should be implemented and that these should incorporate the development of educational resources for AIDS education. The results of this survey suggest generally that geographic type should be considered in educational efforts.