Perceived Sufficiency and Usefulness of IEC Materials and Methods on HIV/AIDS among High school youth in Addis Ababa
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Date
2002-04
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Information on the perception of youth about HIV/AIDS IEC messages and materials
is meager in Ethiopia. This cross sectional survey was conducted from November
2001 to April 2002 in randomly selected high school students in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia. The objective was to assess the perceived sufficiency and usefulness of
HIV/AIDS IEC messages and materials as well as to identify their preferences. Data
were collected using a pre-tested anonymous self-administered questionnaire and
focus group discussion. A total of 901 high school students from 23 schools
participated in the survey. Of these, 464(51.7%) were females. All the study subjects
have heard of AIDS. The most common sources of information about HIV/AIDS were
radio 628(69.7%), television 516(57.3%), Anti AIDS Clubs 497(55.2%), family
members 481(53.45) health professionals 438(48.6%) religious leaders 405(45%)
and friends 307(34%).
IEC on HIV/AIDS was perceived useful in influencing knowledge, attitude and
practice by 761(85.4%), 704(78.1%) and 676(75%) students respectively and efforts
were perceived sufficient to affect knowledge by almost half of the respondents
456(50.6%). On the contrary, the majority of students perceive that IEC messages
and materials were not sufficient enough to trigger proper attitude 544(60.4%) and
acquire/maintain safe practices 519(57.6%). On top of that, none of the information
sources were regarded as highly credible in the face of their audiences and, none of
the messages delivered were rated as highly understandable, appropriate, timely,
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practically applicable, accessible and compatible with the needs and expectations of
youth.
Although, no information source was highly preferred, mass media, health
professionals, religious leaders, family and Anti AIDS Clubs were the top five sources
chosen. Appropriate information and education about all aspects of HIV/AIDS and life
skill training were the content liked better to be transmitted through drama, school
lesson, and discussion. The preferred time to be taught by radio/TV is evening after
8.00 pm and Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
In conclusion, HIV/AIDS IEC messages and materials were only able to acquaint
students with the disease rather than equipping them with the necessary domains
relevant to their day-to-day life. Therefore, coordinated, purposeful, appropriate, and
mutually reinforcing IEC messages with emphasis on life skill training are
recommended.
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Perceived Sufficiency and Usefulness of IEC Materials