Transmission of AIDS Prevention Messages in Black Families with Adolescent Children

The study assessed the level of AIDS knowledge in Black families with adolescent children, and identified the cognitive-behavioral skills associated with such knowledge. The assessment focused upon general AIDS knowledge, and knowledge of transmission and prevention. Subjects are 129 male and female household heads, currently residing in an inner-city public housing project. The housing project is located in Harlem, an urban community within New York City. Subjects were recruited through the use of flyers and periodic announcements within the housing complex. An AIDS knowledge and Attitude Schedule was used to measure the level of AIDS knowledge in three areas, general knowledge, knowledge of AIDS transmission and knowledge of prevention. The Frequency of Self-Reinforcement Questionnaire was used to measure the extent to which respondents used self-reinforcement. The Problem-Solving Inventory was used to measure how individuals perceived themselves to have reacted to problems faced on a daily basis. The Simple Rathus Assertiveness Schedule was used to measure the assertiveness. The respondents manifested misconceptions about how AIDS is transmitted and prevented. The respondents were less knowledgeable about AIDS when compared with a national sample of Black Americans. General AIDS knowledge and knowledge of transmission are correlated with assertiveness. Knowledge of AIDS transmission is correlated with perceived problem-solving ability. Respondent's perceived comfort in discussing AIDS and sex with their children is correlated with perceived problem-solving ability.