Understanding AIDS: A Comparison of Children in the United States and Thailand

Replicating a prior U. S. study, data were gathered from preschool and school-age children in Thailand (n = 80). Taking a developmental perspective, Thai children's knowledge and understanding of AIDS was assessed, and results were compared with those of the U. S. sample. The findings show that Thai children in each of four designated age groups have higher levels of accurate knowledge of AIDS compared with their U. S. counterparts. The findings of these early studies are discussed in terms of current AIDS infection rates and educational prevention efforts in both cultures.