Mauzi, Mariam.
Abstract:
This descriptive survey was carried out to gather information that could be used to assist in the
development of an HIV/AIDS educational program as a way to promote adolescents' health and
prevent diseases in the United Arab Emirates. The study examines the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs
and sources of information of high school students in Sharjah city regarding HIV/AIDS. Anonymous
questionnaire with five sections: demographics, HIV/AIDS knowledge, sources of information,
attitudes and beliefs was administered to 12th grade high school students from four schools in Sharjah.
Analysis of findings showed that 87 percent of students knew that AIDS affects the body's immune
system and 68 .5 percent knew that it is not inherited .The majority of students were aware of
relationship between drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. However, students lacked information in some areas
as HIV/AIDS transmission routes. There was generally a negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS infected
people. This was shown in students' responses to some statements that AIDS was "a punishment for
those infected for their immoral acts". Moreover, students expressed unwillingness to live with
HIV/AIDS infected people. Students were positive in applying prevention, facilitating proper
treatment for the diseased and believed that HIV/AIDS education in schools is a necessity. Their
HIV/AIDS sources of information were mainly from written materials (journals, newspapers and
books). It was concluded that, generally, students in this study had a good knowledge, and some
positive attitudes about AIDS. However, the concerns they expressed in relation to their fears of
sharing, or living with HIV/AIDS infected individuals, and some of their beliefs, need to be addressed
more in the education prevention programs. Students need to be more knowledgeable about
HIV/AIDS prevention. They indicated desires for more knowledge, especially as they become aware
of the increasing risk of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in the Emirates.
