An evaluation of the impact of Open Talk in disseminating HIV/AIDS information to the youth in Windhoek schools

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

This evaluation study came in the wake of observed continued rise of the HIV / AIDS infections among the Namibian youth despite numerous media campaigns offering information to the youth about prevention of the pandemic. "Open Talk, " a publication carried as a supplement in the Namibian, is one of such initiatives. However no study had been undertaken to gauge the effectiveness of Open Talk in disseminating information about HIV / AIDS to the youth. This research evaluated the impact of Open Talk in providing HIV/AIDS and promoting the ABC of HIV/AIDS prevention among the youth in Windhoek schools. The population of the research was young people of the ages 13 to 25, who are learners at high schools in Windhoek. To accomplish the task, the evaluation research method was used to assess the impact of Open Talk. In particular the Extended Parallel Process Model was used to evaluate the publications

Results show that Open Talk is an effective HIV / AIDS media campaign programme. It had induced high level of perceived susceptibility to HIV / AIDS threat among its readers, as well as perceived severity of HIV / AIDS threat. These two are important in making the youth want to do something to protect themselves from infection. Furthermore, the research findings indicate that Open Talk is equally effective in inducing self-efficacy and response efficacy among the youth towards the ABC strategy for HIV/AIDS. These factors are important in helping the youth to take the necessary action to protect themselves from the pandemic