Cynicism,Fear,Communication,and Knowledge of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among Juvenile Delinquents

Abstract

Understanding attitudes toward AIDS among institutionalized juveniles is a crucial issue for administrators of health education programs. This study examined cynicism, fear, communicatin skills, and the impact of AIDS education. The results indicated that education is significantly related to objective knowledge and to cynicism about AIDS, but is not related to other attitudes about AIDS. Membership in racial minority groups was correlated with lower objective knowledge scores and greater cynicism. Although females possessed slightly less knowledge about AIDS, they were less cynical and reported practicing more precautionary behavior than males. Implications of these findings for juvenile correctional policy are discussed.

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