Effects of Health Belief Program on AIDS Prevention Behaviors among Male Adolescents of Non-formal and Informal Education, Sawankhalok, Sukhothai

Abstract

The objectives of this repeated measure, quasi-experimental research was to examine the effects of health belief program on AIDS preventive behaviors among male adolescents of Sawankhalok District Non-formal and Informal Education Center, Sukhothai province. Samples were 60 male adolescents aged between 16 - 18 years old. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit the participants who were assigned into the experimental and control group, with 30 participants each group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measure ANOVA. The results of the study revealed the followings: 1) In the experimental group after participation in the program, mean scores of knowledge, attitude, AIDS preventive behaviors in terms of condom used during sexual intercourse were statistically significant higher than before participation (p < .001). Mean scores of no multiple sexual partners, no alcohol drink and addictive substance use before sexual intercourse, and not buying sexual services were statistically significant higher than before participation (p < .05). 2) Comparison between experimental group and control group, mean scores of knowledge regarding AIDS and prevention and no multiple sexual partners among male adolescents of the experimental group were statistically significant higher than the control group (p < .05), mean scores of attitude towards AIDS, no alcohol drink and addictive substance use before sexual intercourse, and not buying sexual services of the experimental group was statistically significant higher than the control group (p < .001). The findings of this study indicated that the Health Belief Program could be used as a strategy to promote AIDS preventive behaviors among male adolescents.