Diomande C, Eiger R, Dogore E; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12; 10: 377 (abstract no. PD0688).
PSI/Ecoform, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
OBJECTIVE: To develop an effective communication strategy designed to convince a population at risk that each new unprotected sexual encounter is indeed an encounter at risk for STD's and AIDS. CONTEXT: In the Cote D'Ivoire, over 12% of all sexually adults 15 to 44 years of age is infected by the AIDS virus. Precocious sexual activity coupled with multiple partners insures that a large percentage of the population is at high risk for HIV infection. Nonetheless, most Ivorians do not consider themselves to be at risk of contracting the AIDS virus. In order to combat this rather cavalier attitude, PSI/ECOFORM's Condom Social Marketing Project, in conjunction with local Peace Corps volunteers, developed a participatory game which clearly demonstrates the deadly efficiency of the chain of transmission. GAME DESCRIPTION: In groups of 15 to 100 or more, each participant is given at random a card marked either with a circle, a square, or a triangle. The triangle represents an HIV infection and the number of triangles distributed is in direct proportion to the percentage of HIV infections in a given population. The square represents a non-infected person and the circle a non-infected person who uses condoms. Without being told the meaning of the symbols, each participant is asked to introduce himself to three different people. The participants are then informed that each introduction represented a sexual encounter. A well trained game moderator slowly introduces AIDS information by eliciting responses on real life sexual practices of the group. For example, the moderator might ask if three sexual partners over a period of 3 to 5 years is excessive or unrealistic. Very few Ivorian will respond that it is and in fact most think it too few. RESULTS: By game's end it is clear to all participants that they are all much more at risk than they had previously believed. They also have been forced to think about such issues as using condoms, testing, informing loved ones and accepting people with HIV and AIDS. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Studies indicate that AIDS information levels are improving, but less progress has been made on actually changing sexual practices and behaviors. Games and role playing have proven to be an effective method by personally implicating participants and by graphically illustrating the degree of risk we all run.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adult
- Behavior
- Condoms
- Cote d'Ivoire
- HIV
- HIV Infections
- HIV-1
- Humans
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexual Partners
- education
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102211041
From Meeting Abstracts