Rating Behaviors for HIV Risk Print

A Lesson Plan from Life Planning Education: A Youth Development Program

Purpose: To identify sexual behaviors that transmit HIV and those that do not

Materials: Leader's Resource, “Answers for Rating Behaviors for HIV Risk”(pdf); newsprint and markers; masking tape; index cards

Time: 30 minutes

Planning Notes

  • Prepare four signs that say:
    • Definitely a risk
    • Probably a risk.
    • Probably not a risk. and
    • Definitely not a risk.
  • Post signs in a row on a wall.
  • Copy the 18 behaviors from the Leader's Resource onto individual index cards for Step 2.
  • Know that listing “Kissing” in the “Probably not a risk” category is likely to raise questions. Be prepared to answer their concems, noting that “dry” kissing is certainly “safe”, but French or “deep” kissing might pose a risk if there is blood in either mouth, due to bleeding gums, sores or cuts. Explain that no cases of HIV infection have been traced to deep kissing but that scientists are unwilling to say that it is completely Impossible.
  • Know that latex condoms can help prevent the spread of HIV infection. Researchers have studied couples in which one sexual partner was infected and the other was not. When the couples used condoms and a lubricant consistently and correctly every time they had sex, none of the non infected partners became infected with HIV.
Procedure:
  1. Explain that this activity will identify which behaviors risk HIV infection and which do not. To test knowledge about risky behaviors, they will rate activities along a continuum of riskiness, from “Definitely a risk” to “Definitely not a risk.” Point out the signs on the wall.
  2. Distribute index cards to participants. If you have more than 18 participants, have the group form pairs.
  3. Have teens come forward one/two at a time to the signs. After reading the card aloud, they will tape the card under one of the categories.
  4. After each card is placed, ask the teen why she or he chose that category. Ask if the group agrees. Using the Leader's Resource, correct any misinformation and be sure that the index card is moved to the correct category.
  5. Remind the group that the behaviors that most risk HIV infection are having anal, vaginal or oral intercourse without latex condoms or barriers and sharing any kind of needles.
  6. Conclude the activity using the Discussion Points.
Discussion Points:
  1. How do you feel looking at this wall? Does knowing that some things are definitely or probably a risk worry you?
  2. Did you learn new information? What was it? Do you have questions about any behaviors we did not list today?
  3. If you were explaining this information to a friend, what would you say first?