Title: Effectiveness of drama in promoting voluntary HIV counselling and testing in rural villages in southern Malawi [letter]

POPLINE Document Number: 194641

Author(s):

Rumsey DS
Brabin L
Mfutso-Bengo JM
Cuevas LE
Hogg A

Source citation:

International Journal of STD and AIDS, 2004 Jul;15(7):494-495.

Abstract:

We previously reported an HIV prevalence of 24% among rural adolescent girls living in the Shire Valley, southern Malawi. Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) could help prevent HIV among adolescents by encouraging informed decision-making and behavioural change. The Malawian National AIDS Control Programme has prioritized VCT as an HIV prevention strategy, but it is unclear whether adolescents in rural areas are informed about VCT, and how acceptable HIV testing would be to adolescents and parents. We undertook a study to assess the role of drama as a tool to promote knowledge of, and positive attitudes towards, VCT. The study was undertaken in 2003 in seven villages in Chikwawa District, within a 12 km radius of Montfort Hospital. VCT services were available at Montfort although only 7% of clients in the previous year were adolescents. Two counsellors were interviewed about issues faced by adolescents going for VCT, and these formed the basis for the drama script. The drama, which was translated into Chichewa, comprised songs giving information on HIV/VCT, a 30-minute drama and an epilogue, and was performed by two drama groups (hospital and youth). In each village, on the day of the drama, 25 adolescents (15–19 years) and 25 adults who had an adolescent child, were asked to complete a questionnaire before, and after the performance. In two villages the questionnaire was re-administered four weeks later to assess knowledge retention. The study was approved by Ethics Committees in Liverpool and Malawi. (excerpt)

Keywords:

Malawi
Evaluation Report
KAP Surveys
Parents
Adolescents
HIV Testing
Risk Reduction Behavior
Sex Behavior
Counseling
HIV Prevention
Drama and Theater
Promotion
Music
Africa, Southern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Evaluation
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Family Relationships
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Behavior
Clinic Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Culture
Marketing
Economic Factors