The incident of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is rising in Iran. Young people particularly are counted as a high risk group for HIV infection. This study assesses knowledge of high school students regarding HIV/AIDS in Shiraz. In a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study, 592 students from 16 high schools in Shiraz were selected through a cluster random sampling in 2004. An anonymous questionnaire consisted questions concerning knowledge about AIDS, route of transmission and their source of information was used. The students determined a medium level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Eighty percent of students showed acceptable level of knowledge about route of HIV transmission and 83% of them knew important aspects of AIDS. However many misconceptions about AIDS were detected. Our result suggests that previous educational program for AIDS in Iranian high schools was effective and it seems rationale to continue HIV/AIDS education as an integral art of high school curriculum.

Keywords: AIDS, school, HIV, high risk groups

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