Attitudes of parents of high school students about AIDS, drug, and sex education in schools - Rome, Italy, 1991

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 27, 1992

Findings from the survey reported here suggest that the concerns of school authorities about parental opposition to AIDS, drug, and sex education in Rome schools may be unfounded. Furthermore, many of the parents had discussed AIDS, drugs, and sex with their children. Based on a comparison of these findings with a recent U.S. survey, Italian parents may discuss AIDS with their children more often than do U.S. parents (84% versus 62%) [4].

Because of the unexpectedly low number of respondents in the sample who opposed the introductio of AIDS, drug, and sex education in schools, this study was unable to identify statistically significiant characteristic differences that predicted opposition among parents. Parental opposition may be linked to their belief that they had adequately educated their children in the home or that their children were not at risk for AIDS, drug use, or early initiation of sexual activity.

Parents in Rome overwhelmingly supported AIDS, drug, and sex education and indicated that instruction should begin for children before the age when risk behaviors usually begin. The study also revealed that a high number of parents favored explicit information, specifically about condom use. Condoms have not been explicitly mentioned through electronic media until Italy's 1991 national AIDS television campaign, and the findings in this report suggest a greater openness to deal with such topics among parents of high school students in Rome.

The results of this survey were provided to school administrators and public health practitioners to assist in planning and operating successful AIDS, drug, and sex education programs. In addition, some epidemologists involved in this survey intend to repeat the survey in their separate regions to assist in the development of appropriate teaching materials and curricula throughout Italy.

[1] Mixed working Group of the Ministry of Health/the Ministry of Public Instruction. School guidelines for educational programs in health and the prevention of HIV infection [Italian]. Rome: National Institute of Health, Italy, 1992. (ISSN 0391-1675).

[2] CDC. Guidelines for effective school health education to prevent the spread of AIDS, MMWR 1988; 37(no. S-2).

[3] CDC. AIDS-related knowledge and behaviors among teenagers -- Italy, 1990. MMWR 1991;40: 214--5,221.

[4] CDC. Characteristics of parents who discuss AIDS with their children -- United States, 1989. MMWR 1991;40:789-91.