Impact of a multi-method promotional package on awareness and knowledge about STD and AIDS among the trainees of an industrial training institute in a resettlement colony of Delhi, India.

ABSTRACT

To design and apply a multi-method promotional package for enhancing awareness and knowledge on STD and AIDS among ITI trainees, and evaluate its impact, an intervention study, using pre and post assessment of the subjects for comparison was carried out. The study was carried out in the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), in a resettlement colony of Delhi. Urethral/vaginal discharge, genital ulcer and pain on micturition were identified as symptoms of STD by a significantly higher number of respondents in the post package sample. A sizable number of subjects included inguinal swelling and lower abdominal pain also as STD symptoms. The IEC intervention showed a significant improvement in knowledge about all four major routes of transmission of HIV/AIDS. Using condoms and avoiding sex with Commercial Sex Workers were reported as measures to prevent STD/AIDS by a significantly higher number of subjects after the intervention. A sizable number of subjects also included other measures (using safe blood/not sharing needles etc.) as well. There was a significant decline in the subjects preferring self treatment or treatment from a chemist shop in case one suffered with an STD. A significant increase was observed in those preferring treatment from govt. facilities or private allopathic doctors. However, the intervention did not seem to result in preference for alternative systems of medicine. The study demonstrated that exposure to intensive promotional intervention, even for a brief period can significantly raise awareness and knowledge of young people even on sensitive topics like STD and AIDS.