Evaluation of The Effectiveness of Hiv Prevention Programs in Russian

The article is devoted to the analysis of HIV infection prevention among students at universities in the Sverdlovsk Region. Theoretically, the work is based on the socio-cognitive theory and models of health-saving literacy, according to which the presence of knowledge does not guarantee automatic changes in behavior without taking into account motivational and environmental factors. The purpose of the study was to analyze existing HIV prevention programs at regional universities and evaluate their effectiveness. The empirical basis of the study was the results of online questionnaires completed by students of 21 universities in Yekaterinburg and the region (N=2300). The study compared the normative, practical, and cognitive levels of implementation of preventive programs. The authors found that increasing the number of events does not lead to a proportional increase in knowledge. Statistical analysis (Pearson correlation coefficient r = –0.24) showed that there is no direct linear relationship between the number of events and the quality of information acquisition. The key performance indicator is the calculated «efficiency coefficient», which demonstrates the «return» for each percentage of student engagement. The study found that universities that use systemic and interactive approaches achieve the best results, while traditional lecture formats are often formal. Despite the general awareness (95%), a quarter of respondents do not recognize the risks of their behavior. Students note the lack of modern information formats (podcasts, short videos on social media) and the complete absence of preventive measures in dormitories. It is concluded that it is necessary to move from quantitative indicators of coverage to individualized and behaviorally oriented methods, including rapid testing with counseling and the creation of a non-discriminatory environment in universities. The results can be used to optimize regional health programs in the higher education system.