Psychoeducation for HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Among Adolescents: A School-Based Community Service Program

Abstract

Adolescence is a developmental stage characterized by heightened vulnerability to risk-taking behaviors, including unprotected sexual activity, which increases exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Inadequate health literacy, persistent myths, and social stigma compound this risk, particularly in school-aged populations. This study reports a community service psychoeducation program implemented at SMA Negeri 2 Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia, targeting 80 adolescent students (grades X and XI). A pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design was employed to evaluate knowledge gains. Results showed that prior to the intervention, only 40% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS and STIs. Following the interactive psychoeducation sessions—which incorporated multimedia presentations, group discussion, role-play, and participatory quiz activities—72.5% of participants achieved good knowledge scores, representing a 32.5 percentage point improvement. Qualitative findings indicated greater openness to discussing sexual health, reduced stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV (PLHIV), and heightened intention to utilize voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. These outcomes affirm the effectiveness of school-based, interactive psychoeducation as a preventive public health strategy for HIV/AIDS and STI transmission among Indonesian adolescents. The program model is presented as a replicable framework for broader adolescent reproductive health promotion.