Egan JP; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 1096 (abstract no. 60522).
ISSUES: Current AIDS education strategies in Vancouver rely on printed materials such as flyers and posters. Such materials are of little relevance to those who are functionally illiterate. PROJECT: Three communities are examples of how printed educational materials can be ineffectual in identifying and changing risk behaviour, Injecting drug users are often rendered illiterate due to sensory impairment. Those whose English language reading skills are limited (often new Canadians who are proficient in other languages) may be able to converse in English, but cannot read. Impoverished persons (a disproportionate number who are aboriginal), of whom many have not successfully completed formal schooling, seek other venues of information, such as informal discussions, and broadcast media. RESULTS: The value of printed materials for a majority of Vancouverites is not in question. But it is often the more marginalised of our communities who cannot access harm reduction information in printed English. Community groups which target specific cultural groups (ASIA, Atish among others) have thus produced their own materials in other languages. But for anglophones who are illiterate, interpersonal verbal interventions must remain the focus of educational efforts. Pursuance of the broadcasting via the public service announcement functions mandated by the CRTC can also be a strategy, though sexphobia and drugphobia problematize this venue. LESSONS LEARNED: With the governmental support of community interventions in question, a political will must be found to ensure that community-centred interventions are not only sustained, but developed beyond current funding levels. Community groups can also pursue more overt uses of broadcast media to carry the messages of harm reduction.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Asia
- Canada
- Demography
- Educational Status
- Health Education
- Mass Media
- Pamphlets
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102232471
From Meeting Abstracts