School based educational intervention to raise awareness of students about HIV/AIDS disease

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) diseases are considered two of the most serious health conditions. Behavioral intervention is one of the best ordinary less cost and most effective strategies applied to fight against HIV/AIDS. In addition to information education and communication (IEC) campaign. Health education regarding HIV/AIDS at school can help in the prevention of infection. Current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of school based educational intervention to raise awareness of students about HIV/AIDS disease.Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental design with pre-posttest was utilized. Subjects: Multi-stage random sample of 360 students recruited at preparatory and secondary schools. Tool: A structured interviewing questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data sheet for students, knowledge of students about HIV/AIDS disease, methods of prevention and students' attitudes and opinions about HIV/AIDS.Results: Statistical significant differences regarding students’ knowledge about HIV/AIDS, methods of prevention and attitudes and opinions about HIV/AIDS were found.Conclusion and recommendations: The first and second research hypothesis was accepted as it was found that educational intervention was effective and had a positive impact on improving students' knowledge and methods of prevention regarding HIV/AIDS,. The third hypothesis was students' opinions and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS that was also accepted and had significant effect. A long-term intervention among students must be conducted for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. So, educational intervention should be disseminated to more schools to increase the effects of offering opportunities that provide students with accurate information on HIV/AIDS.