Perception of school children and teachers towards adolescent education program in India

Ruchi Sogarwal, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO)
Damodar Bachani, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO)
K. Sujatha Rao, AS&DG, National AIDS Control Organisation, INDIA

The study aims to examine the perception of the school children and teachers concerning the need of Adolescent Education Program in India and also, determine their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS and STIs. Data was collected using a pre-tested instrument administered by personal interview technique. Majority of the students and teachers were of positive opinion that education on HIV risks and prevention in the school system is pertinent but cultural setting and religious faith are the most important barriers in effective introduction of the program. Inadequate knowledge and low interaction of parents and teachers, hesitation, ignorance and lack of political commitment were found to be other barriers. Analyses revealed that though general awareness about HIV/AIDS was high among students and teachers, knowledge regarding modes of transmission and prevention methods was low. Lacunae exist as regards knowledge about STIs.