Abstract:

HIV remains a significant global public health challenge, having caused the loss of 40.1 million lives to date, with ongoing transmission in all countries worldwide (World Health Organization, 2023). By the end of 2021, there were approximately 38.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization, 2023). HIV/AIDS education targeted at young individuals plays a crucial role in ending the AIDS epidemic on a global scale. In Malaysia, by the end of 2021, an estimated 81,942 people were living with HIV (PLHIV) (Ministry of Health, 2022). 600 Penang students between the ages of 15 and 17 participated in the study, which had three sessions total—a pre-test, an intervention, and a post-test. The findings were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software. The results revealed a positive change in the respondents' knowledge following the implementation of the intervention process. This study demonstrates that early health education can effectively reduce the risk behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS among young adolescents. The aim is to ensure that they lead a better quality of life and maintain their overall well-being.

Keywords: Health Belief Model, HIV/AIDS Education, Public Health Education, Quality of life, Social Work in School.

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