Adolescents and AIDS: knowledge and attitude.

Ninth- and tenth-grade adolescents' AIDS knowledge and attitude were assessed before and after a mandated AIDS education program. A control group of adolescents not exposed to the education program was included. As a result of the AIDS education, knowledge gains were indicated for the girls, but not for the boys. Both boys and girls gained in tolerance for AIDS victims. In turn, for the boys, but not for the girls, the knowledge gained had a direct effect on increasing tolerance toward AIDS victims. A plateau effect with regard to knowledge about AIDS is indicated. Gender differences and implications for future research on adolescents and AIDS education are discussed.