Medical Faculty, Department of Community Health, Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the perceived sufficiency and usefulness of HIV/AIDS information, education and communication (IEC) messages and materials as well as to identify preferences for IEC sources and methods. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussions. A total of 901 students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, participated in the study.

Over three quarters of the respondents believed in the usefulness of IEC. IEC materials were perceived to be useful in increasing knowledge about HIV/AIDS by 456 (51%), to influence attitude by 357 (40%) and to acquire safer sexual practices by 382 (42%) of the respondents. None of the information sources and messages available for high school students highly satisfied the sufficiency indicators.

Even though no single information source was highly preferred, radio and television ranked top. Life skills training was the most desired intervention by the students. IEC on HIV/AIDS was able to acquaint students with the disease rather than equipping them with knowledge and skill needed in their daily life. Therefore, appropriate and mutually reinforcing IEC messages with emphasis on life skills training are recommended.

Excerpt from the Discussion section:

...The following recommendations are given based on the findings of the study: students should be involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of IEC programmes for youths. This will ensure that students’ feelings, experiences, expectations, concerns and problems would be taken into account at all stages. Emphasis in IEC should be on life skills training and practical application of HIV/AIDS information. Students need to learn how to negotiate safer sex, be assertive, and apply problem-solving and conflict resolution skills towards practicing safer sexual behaviour. Printed materials should be periodically updated and should be culturally, age and gender appropriate, as well as offer complete information in an attention-getting way. Teachers should be trained to strengthen school-based IEC. Peer education and anti-AIDS club programmes need review and strengthening. Parents need encouragement, support and resources to talk with and work with their children in maintaining responsible attitudes and safer practices. Where there is limited or no censorship over the media, which includes sexually arousing materials, the youth need guidance and should be taught how to deal with the conflicting messages they receive.