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HIV/AIDS continues to be a public health problem, especially among adolescents, who represent a vulnerable group due to early sexual initiation, lack of information, and limited health education. In Latin America and the Caribbean, infection rates have increased, significantly affecting rural and indigenous communities. In this context, a study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among tenth-grade students at the Finca 32 Bilingual Educational Center in Bocas del Toro, Panama. The study was quantitative, descriptive, and field-based, with a total sample of 115 students between the ages of 15 and 18. A Likert-type survey was administered, validated using Cronbach's alpha (0.76). The results reveal that 90% recognize HIV as a deadly disease, 87% desire more information, and 89% are willing to be tested. Although they demonstrate basic understanding of prevention and transmission, confusion persists regarding routes such as breastfeeding or blood transfusions. It is concluded that it is necessary to strengthen sexual education in schools to promote responsible attitudes and prevent new infections.
