Evaluators collected a longitudinal sample in 3 representative cities (Esteli, Léon, and Juigalpa). Pre-, mid-term, and post-surveys were distributed to 4,567 male and female youth aged 13-24 years at baseline (selected results of which are shared in the evaluation document, which can be accessed within the Source section, below). The research also included in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs); participatory action research methodologies informed this process. Multivariate and multi-level analyses were carried out.

Implemented in Nicaragua by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Puntos de Encuentro, Somos Diferentes, Somos Iguales (We're Different, We're Equal), or SDSI, is a communication initiative featuring a weekly national edutainment telenovela called "Sexto Sentido" (SS) with a particular focus on HIV risk, a daily call-in radio show, and community-based activities (coordination across organisational networks, cast visits to schools, youth training camps, and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials).

Nine out of 10 urban residents surveyed had seen or heard of the show. Nineteen percent watched SS "almost always"; 48% watched it occasionally.

Evaluators identify the following changes between 2003 and 2005: more support for gender equity, a decrease in stigmatising attitudes toward (and decreased support for discrimination against) people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). For example, after controlling for age, sex, region, and education, they found that individuals exposed to the intervention were more likely to say that:

1. women should not be solely responsible for housework (odds ratio (OR) = 1.3);
2. they would be willing to be friends with PLHA (OR = 2.0);
3. a man never has a right to hit his wife (OR = 1.4).

After controlling for age, sex, region, and education, evaluators found that individuals exposed to the intervention were more likely to know where to find information and services on HIV and violence (OR = 2.2).

After controlling for age, sex, region, and education, evaluators found that individuals exposed to the intervention were more likely to have talked to someone about HIV in the previous 6 months (OR = 1.4).

Evaluators found that there was an increase in those who had ever had an HIV test. Also, condom use among casual partners increased for those exposed to the show, compared to those who were not exposed.