A theoretical approach to school-based HIV prevention.

To develop effective school-based programs to prevent the spread of AIDS, programmers must apply principles related to learning and behavior change. Due to the complexity of influencing contemporary adolescent sexual behavior, a multidisciplinary approach using multiple intervention strategies is essential. Health promotion efforts should include policy mandates, direct intervention, instruction, environmental support, media, role modeling, and social support. Consistent, continuous messages through multiple channels (school, home, community, and media) and by multiple agents (parents, peers, and health and education professionals) need to be provided. Examples of appropriate intervention strategies that may be employed by the professionals working in the school and the community are provided.