Michelle’s program has shown some remarkable results with the 12-18 year old population, including substantial increases in condom use and discussing safer sex with their partners before sexual activity. She uses a one-page questionnaire that is a part of the curriculum. But if she could add any questions, what would they be?

Flyer produced by Linda Vista Healh Center, San Diego

“General things I think might be helpful in measuring behavioral change for the risk for HIV/AIDS would be: Are they gang members? Who taught them about sex? Have they ever been molested? Do they have sex alone or with their friends (trains, intimidation, peer pressure)? Are they allowed to have sex at home? With or without parental knowledge? I would ask directly, have you ever shot up before? What is your drug of choice? That could definitely be helpful in a kid that originally said their drug of choice was shooting up, and then three months later finding out that their drug of choice was marijuana. It would have definitely decreased their chance of contracting HIV. Outside of HIV/AIDS, I’d ask are you a victim of violence? Is your Daddy living at home? Are there drugs in the house? I could go on and on.”