Date of Award:

5-2000

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Department name when degree awarded

Family and Human Development

Committee Chair(s)

Jay D. Schvaneveldt

Committee

Jay D. Schvaneveldt

Committee

Shelley L. Knudsen Lindauer

Committee

Ann M. Berghout Austin

Abstract

The incidence of acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is on the increase across the world. The purpose of this study was to explore young children's awareness, knowledge, and understanding of AIDS in Bahrain, in the Arabian Gulf region. This was done within the framework of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which spans development across time. Ninety-nine children aged 6 through 12 were administered a standardized interview to ascertain their knowledge about AIDS, its causes, outcomes, and prevention. The study explored whether knowledge about AIDS was related to age, gender, and parental education. It also examined the sources of children's knowledge. Correlational analyses, t tests, and frequency distributions were used to explore the questions. Knowledge about AIDS was related to age and gender, with older children having more knowledge than younger children, and girls having more knowledge than boys. The media and teachers were the significant sources of information about AIDS for the children.

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