AEGiS-13IAC: An evaluation of a photonovella intervention for sexually transmitted diseases among a zulu speaking sample of secondary school children in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.

13th International AIDS Conference

Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

An evaluation of a photonovella intervention for sexually transmitted diseases among a zulu speaking sample of secondary school children in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:61 (abstract no.. LBPeD7108)

Govender K, Bhagwanjee A
University of Durban Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Fax: +27 31-204 4611, E-mail: kayg@pixie.udw.ac.za.

BACKGROUND: STDS and AIDS/HIV presents a major challenge to the health care system in South Africa, it is argued that systematic evidence-based interventions tailored to specific populations are critical in attempting to arrest these conditions. Media materials, as an intervention medium, has the ability to influence and alter social norms among adolsecents. The surge of interest in photo-novellas among health promotion practitioners internationally has pointed to the utility to this approach in achieving such an objective. In South Africa, this medium is considered a popular form of entertainment among youth, given its visual and contextual appeal. Photo-novellas therefore facilitate transmission of health messages in a culturally appropriate manner and are particularly relevant where literacy are low.

METHODS: This paper presents the findings of an evaluation of a photonovella, LADUMA, which was designed within a participatory framework for use with an adolsecent population in South Africa. This intervention was initially designed for a Xhosa speaking population to improve knowledge and safe sexual practices with regard to sexually transmitted diseases. This study presents findings on a Zulu-speaking sample of 11th graders. Phase 1 of the study:a quantitative pre-test, post-test and follow-up (6 weeks) design was employed.Phase 2:a qualitative evaluation(at 6 week follow-up stage) using focus group methodology.

FINDINGS: Integrated findings are presented from both phases, reporting inter alia on variables such as general appeal of the medium, knowledge (causes, transmission, treatment), enabling factors (such as access to treatment) and reinforcing factors (influence of peers). The results generally support the use of this medium in increasing knowledge, attitude change.

CONCLUSIONS: Such a medium has demonstrated its cultural effectiveness as a health promotive tool in preventing the spread of STDS.

Keywords: AEGIS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Schools, HIV Infections, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Ethnic Groups, Health Promotion, Focus Groups, Persuasive Communication, Interpersonal Relations, South Africa, Child, Human, nursing, secondary, AIDS
000709
LBPeD7108