Abstract

Session presented on: Friday, July 26, 2013:

Purpose: Nearly 30% of the new HIV infections in Thailand are in teenagers due to their unaware of the risks of unsafe sexual behavior. Thus, HIV/AIDS education program at schools has focused on preventing sexual transmission of HIV. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of HIV prevention among teens and to develop volunteer spirit model of HIV prevention at schools.

Methods: Participatory action research was conducted. Capacity building of volunteer spirit and skill building of HIV prevention were provided for 1765 teens at 20 schools in Bangkok. Data were collected using questionnaire of knowledge and awareness of HIV prevention. Eight focus groups discussion and audio-recorded were conducted with a total of 20 male and 20 female teens including 20 teachers from 20 schools . Data were transcribed and themes were identified through content analysis.

Results: 46% of teens had inadequate knowledge of HIV prevention. About 56% of teens were not sure that condoms could prevent HIV transmission. However, the awareness about preventive behaviors was rather high. Teens had positive attitudes towards the 'volunteer spirit' program in terms of giving without repayment and being happy to do activities. Peer groups, parents, teachers and community were good facilitators in ongoing supporting volunteer's activities. The models were developed in terms of empowering teens to be role models, enhancing capacity of peer groups to gain more relevant information about HIV and establishing good friendship while carrying out activities. Teens' projects were conducted based on their initiation and teacher's support such as AIDS prevention campaigns, life skill training, caring of HIV children, advising peers about HIV prevention information via social media and establishing networks in community.

Conclusion: The 'volunteer spirit' models of HIV prevention were teens' acceptable program that can be applied in sex education program and help shape school health policy to improve quality of HIV education.

Author Details

Duangkamol Wattradul, RN, DNS

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Volunteer Spirit, HIV Prevention Model, Teenagers

Conference Name

24th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Prague, Czech Republic

Conference Year

2013

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Developing volunteer spirit model of HIV prevention at schools in Bangkok

Prague, Czech Republic

Session presented on: Friday, July 26, 2013:

Purpose: Nearly 30% of the new HIV infections in Thailand are in teenagers due to their unaware of the risks of unsafe sexual behavior. Thus, HIV/AIDS education program at schools has focused on preventing sexual transmission of HIV. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of HIV prevention among teens and to develop volunteer spirit model of HIV prevention at schools.

Methods: Participatory action research was conducted. Capacity building of volunteer spirit and skill building of HIV prevention were provided for 1765 teens at 20 schools in Bangkok. Data were collected using questionnaire of knowledge and awareness of HIV prevention. Eight focus groups discussion and audio-recorded were conducted with a total of 20 male and 20 female teens including 20 teachers from 20 schools . Data were transcribed and themes were identified through content analysis.

Results: 46% of teens had inadequate knowledge of HIV prevention. About 56% of teens were not sure that condoms could prevent HIV transmission. However, the awareness about preventive behaviors was rather high. Teens had positive attitudes towards the 'volunteer spirit' program in terms of giving without repayment and being happy to do activities. Peer groups, parents, teachers and community were good facilitators in ongoing supporting volunteer's activities. The models were developed in terms of empowering teens to be role models, enhancing capacity of peer groups to gain more relevant information about HIV and establishing good friendship while carrying out activities. Teens' projects were conducted based on their initiation and teacher's support such as AIDS prevention campaigns, life skill training, caring of HIV children, advising peers about HIV prevention information via social media and establishing networks in community.

Conclusion: The 'volunteer spirit' models of HIV prevention were teens' acceptable program that can be applied in sex education program and help shape school health policy to improve quality of HIV education.