The impact of HIV/AIDS information disseminated on the status of behavioral change brought among Jimma University students. (a case of education faculty and medical school)

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS is spreading in heightened rate. Extensive dissemination of information, education and communication pertaining to the epidemic is the most cost effective means to bring about desirable behavioral change. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS information materials on the status of behavioral change brought.
Method. A total of 152 samples were drawn using simple random stratified sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect data.
Results: Radio, newspapers and magazine, television were indicated as information materials. A significant number of respondents evaluated information materials negatively. The Participants had good knowledge. 89.5%, 91.4%,and 76.3%, of the cases mentioned homosexual practice, infected blood transfusion, and common use of sharp materials as major modes of transmission. Majority (74.3%) did not have perception of susceptibility.
Conclusion: Preparation of materials did not consider characteristics /qualities which are peculiar to students. Most participants had good knowledge. However, knowledge could not guarantee a change in behavior for participants of this study involved in different riskier activities. In almost all the cases, field of study and year level of participants have an influence on the magnitude of behavioral change brought.


Ethiopian Journal of Education and Science Vol. 2 (1) 2006: pp. 1-20