Enhancing HIV/AIDS Prevention in Adolescents: An Information- Motivation-Behavioral Skills Approach

OBJECTIVE: To determine how adolescents' knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS prevention were affected by health education using a motivational information approach.METHODOLOGY: This study employed a quasi-experimental design conducted in Bima, NTB, Indonesia, from July 2024 to January 2025.A cluster sampling technique was used, yielding a total of 374 students divided into two groups.The control group received HIV/AIDS educational materials in the form of textbooks without support from cadres.In contrast, the intervention group was given a booklet about HIV/AIDS and received guidance from a cadre.The intervention was carried out four times a week for six months.Data analysis was performed using a paired t-test.RESULTS: The intervention significantly improved knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS prevention in adolescents, regardless of the control or intervention group.The intervention group showed a significant increase in knowledge scores about HIV/AIDS, with an average score of 13.74, compared to the control group's 8.04.The intervention group also showed a significant increase in attitude scores, with an average of 47.12, compared to the control group's average of 35.04.Both knowledge and attitude in the intervention group had p-values of <0.000.CONCLUSION: The intervention proved to be more effective in improving knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.