Evaluation Of Intensive Information, Education And Communication Campaign On HIV/AIDS In Rural Areas

Research questions: To what extent the knowledge of preventive practices on HIV/AIDS can be enhanced through intensive interactive and interpersonal communication in rural areas through primary health care infrastructure. Objectives: 1. To scale up the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS amongst persons aged 15-45 years in rural areas. 2. To screen the cases of RTI/STI at the village level for prompt treatment at Primary Health Centres. Study design: Cross-sectional, population based action research study in rural settings. Sample size: 1261 Households, 1632 men and women in reproductive age group and 92 clients followed up to evaluate the outcome of treatment. Methodolog: Information was collected by interview technique as also from reports of target population and screening activities submitted by workers. Outcome variables: Awareness of preventive practices of HIV/AIDS, condom use, early treatment of RTI, coverage of households and individuals. Results: One third of the dwellings were found locked. Close to 68% of the households received the â€contact card†and 59% of individuals in target age group received the cards and of them 23% read messages on HIV/AIDS and RTI, Prevalence of RTI in women and men was observed to be 25.6% and 0.74% respectively. Over 70% of individuals were aware of HIV/AIDS, men were better informed as compared to women. The primary source of information being T.V. and Radio (91.85%). Health workers were mentioned as Primary source of information by 27.47% of individuals. Effective knowledge of preventive practices (staying with one faithful partner and safe sex by use of condom) was endorsed by one third of individuals only. Condom use rate was distressingly low at 3.2 percent