An Investigation of HIV Knowledge and Self-Perceptions of Behavior

Over the past ten years, the number of reported cases of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) has significantly increased. The Virginia Department of Health Division of STD/AIDS (1997) developed statistics based on reports received from confidential HIV testing sites and physicians. As of June 1997, there were 9,945 people infected with HIV throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, there were 9,787 reported cases of AIDS within the state. Anonymous testing was not a source of information for this report, and additional consideration must be given to people who are unaware of their HIV positive status. In other words, these statistics represent only a portion of people infected with this incurable disease.

In 1988, a study was completed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA). The focus of this study was to examine the rate of HIV infection on American college campuses. HIV infection was identified in approximately 1 out of every 500 college students. Older students and men were at the greatest risk of HIV infection among the college population. A similar study completed one year later by the ACHA found that more than 11,000 U.S. college students may be infected with HIV, and most of them may not even know it.

Risk populations all over the world have significantly changed since the onset of this disease. HIV prevention initially targeted the homosexual population and focused on safer sex practices. Intravenous (IV) drug users have also been given great attention, and in some states, needle-exchange programs have been implemented to increase safer injection practices and HIV testing. Unfortunately, prevention efforts have not effectively reached the younger generations. According to a study conducted by the New River Health District (1998), women now represent the fastest growing group of HIV infected persons in the United States and abroad. These trends in HIV infection are important to consider because they are likely to predict future AIDS trends.

At present, young adults and college students are at a substantial risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. Some college students often perceive personal autonomy as freedom from their family of origin and lack of responsibility. Many experiment with alcohol and drugs, and this behavior can increase HIV risk factors. A large number of students do not accurately perceive their risk of infection and remain unaware of the seriousness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic (Chng & Moore, 1994).

PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

The purpose of this study was to examine the existing knowledge of HIV/AIDS, attitudes, and self-perceptions of behaviors among college students at Radford University. Funding for this research project was received from the RU Foundation. Participation was strictly voluntary, and subjects were enrolled during the Fall 1998 semester at Radford University. This study was based on an anonymous survey. The College Student Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (CSBQ-R) (MacNair-Semands & Simono, 1996) is a 54-item assessment of students' knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their attitude about HIV/AIDS/people with AIDS, and related risk behaviors. The CSBQ-R also includes a brief demographic section and provides an adequate assessment of students' current level of risk, perceived vulnerability, and likelihood of behavior change.

The results of this study will be used to develop appropriate health promotion programming at Radford University. Effective HIV prevention on college campuses must consider the students’ knowledge, beliefs, and self-reported behaviors. The first step in developing an appropriate HIV prevention program consists of exploring the general awareness of HIV/AIDS information among the targeted population. Psychosocial functioning, race, age, gender, and sexual orientation are important issues to consider when collecting data on HIV risk behavior because they often influence personal choice. HIV prevention must focus on the factors most important to the targeted population, and multiple factors may need to be considered simultaneously.

Students are invited to attend an open meeting debriefing on December 1, 1998 at 7 PM in the Commonwealth Room in the Heth Student Center. Summary results will be shared at this time. Local resources and HIV testing sites are also noted for anyone seeking further information and/or support.

ANSWERS TO THE TRUE/FALSE SECTION OF THE CSBQ-R

Answer	Question
FALSE	1. Most people who have the AIDS virus look unhealthy.
TRUE	2. A person can be exposed to the AIDS virus in one sexual contact.
TRUE	3. HIV may be present for 3 or more months before detection by a blood test.
FALSE	4. Most people who have HIV quickly show symptoms of the illness.
FALSE	5. Persons who are exclusively heterosexual are not at risk for AIDS.
TRUE	6. A negative result on the AIDS antibody test can occur even for people who carry the virus.
FALSE	7. Most present cases of AIDS are due to blood transfusions that took place before 1984.
TRUE	8. Donating blood carries no AIDS risk for the donor.
TRUE	9. People who get HIV through needle-sharing activity can transmit the virus during sexual activities.
TRUE	10. Of the types of contraception, latex condoms are the best single form of protection from HIV.
FALSE	11. Males are more at risk than females from infection by HIV due to the male anatomy, which is more likely to sustain live contact with the virus.
TRUE	12. Heterosexual genital sex can easily transmit the AIDS virus.
FALSE	13. Nonoxynol-9 is a chemical that is used as an HIV vaccine for non-infected persons.
TRUE	14. Most HIV-infected people contracted the virus more than 9 years prior to diagnosis with AIDS.
FALSE	15. The average time between the onset of AIDS and death is 4.1 years.
TRUE	16. Oral sex is safer than penile-vaginal sex.
FALSE	17. If I only have sex with one partner, I am not at risk for HIV.
TRUE	18. Flu-like symptoms often occur following the initial infection with HIV.
TRUE	19. The highest risk group on college campuses today is gay men.

HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING AVAILABLE TO RU STUDENTS

Anonymous HIV testing will be offered at the Radford University Student Health Center at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates: 12/10/98, 1/14/99, 1/28/99, 2/11/99, 2/25/99, 3/25/99, 4/8/99, and 4/22/99. Testing is limited to the first 15 students and is conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost is free. This service is sponsored by the Health Department of the New River Valley and RU Student Health Services. Further questions should be directed to Joyce Walter at (540) 633-6667. HIV testing is also available from the Radford City Health Department. Please call (540) 831-5774 for further information.

Confidential mental health counseling is also available free of charge to Radford University students. To schedule an appointment with an individual counselor, please contact the Radford University Center for Counseling and Student Development at (540) 831-5226.

INTERNET LINKS

Center for Disease Control Info. on AIDS & HIV

The Body

Safe Sex

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

New River Valley AIDS Coalition - (540) 381-5473

The AIDS Council of Western Virginia - (540) 985-0131
P.O. Box 598
Roanoke, VA 24004-0598

CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse - 1-800-458-5231

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT ARE INVITED AND MAY BE DIRECTED TO:

Dr. Alan Forrest, Associate Professor, Counselor Education
Radford University
P.O. Box 6994
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-5487
aforrest@radford.edu

Dr. Heidi Levine, Director for the Center for Counseling and Student Development
Radford University
P.O. Box 6902
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-5226
hlevine@radford.edu

Sarah McCulloh, Graduate Research Assistant
200 P Robey Street
Radford, VA 24141
(540) 633-5940
smccullo@radford.edu

Email: