Theatre in education on HIV and AIDS: a controlled study of schoolchildren's knowledge and attitudes

This paper presents part of the findings of an evaluation study which measured the impact of Someone Like You, a theatre in HIV and AIDS education programme, devised for schoolchildren. Data on knowledge and attitudes related to HIV and AIDS were obtained before and after the intervention using a confidential, self-completed questionnaire. The chil dren participating in the study were aged 13-14 years. All were atten ding 12 Nottinghamshire secondary schools which reported the inclusion of HIV and AIDS education in their curricula; 252 children in the experimental group and 428 children in the control group completed both pre- and post-tests. At pre-test, konwledge levels were high for the main transmis sion routes and risk factors for HIV infection, with some confusion existing over the safety of kissing, receiving blood transfusions in the UK and donating blood. After the intervention the experimental group showed significantly bigger gains in knowledge than the control group, in these areas. Attitudes were generally positive at the start of the study. However, the experimental group shows significantly greater shifts towards the positive and of the attitude continuum in areas related to the right of HIV-positive children to go to school confidentiality regarding these children's HIV status and use of condoms signifying caring relationships.It is cluded that 'Someone Like You improved knowledge levels and influenced the attitudes of the children participating in the initiative.