Kakkar M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 686 (abstract no. 33491).
Thoughtshop Foundation, Calcutta, India.
ISSUE: The sexual route is known to account for 75 percent of the HIV infection cases. Thus young people, who form one of the most sexually active groups, need to have an accurate understanding of HIV/AIDS and other issues around sexual health. PROJECT: Thoughtshop compiled and produced an interactive sex education column called ASK (AIDS, Sex, Knowledge) which used to appear in the young people's section of a Calcutta English newspaper. Interaction took place through letters which were answered in the column. About 1,500 letters were received from all over West Bengal containing queries, problems and suggestions. The letters provided an insight into the young people's sexual health problems and information needs. The need to deal with the subject in languages such as Bengali and Hindi came through clearly. RESULTS: The project led to a needs assessment of the sexual health information needs and problems of young people in West Bengal. Among:--12-19 year age group.--Rural, urban and peri-urban areas of West Bengal. Included an institutional analysis and in-depth interviews with the influencers of young people. Young people in West Bengal need a programme dedicated to solving their sexual health problems. A multi-pronged approach needed: Preferred media: Face-to-face interaction through group discussions, media such as newspapers, radio, TV, and peer education programmes. Also through existing structures: schools, NGOs, clubs, etc.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Communication
- HIV Infections
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- India
- Knowledge
- Research
- Sex Education
Other ID:
UI: 102230354
From Meeting Abstracts