|
pubmed:abstractText |
The most important aspect of reaching people at the grassroots level is to ensure their understanding by using the most appropriate language, and by ensuring that the largely illiterate population will, nevertheless, be well served by print and electronic mass media. The article also emphasizes the need to adapt educational aids to the audience they address, as well as the preference of offering interactive education.
|
|
pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: Examining previous approaches and his own involvement, the author explains that the most effective methods for communicating the message of AIDS prevention at the grassroots level in Nigeria address the particular needs of the audience and rely on interactive education. Considering that not AIDS cure yet exists, the best hope for controlling the disease is effective health education. In places like Nigeria, where 85.3% of the population is rural, and where 54% of the mean and 77% of the women are illiterate, grassroots education takes an added importance. The author discusses educational efforts that have taken place at Fathers' Club, part of the country's family planning services, and in the market place. From experience like these, the author provides the following conclusions and suggestions: 1) people without access to social services often fail to receive AIDS education; 2) many people speak only their native language, so the conventional approach of using English -- Nigeria's official language -- proves ineffective; 3) educational forums that allow people to raise questions are the most effective; 4) the provision of additional services can help attract people in public places; 5) besides discussing the importance of condom use in AIDS prevention and family planning, a demonstration of correct condom use often makes the talks more interesting; 6) condom accessibility and acceptability can be improved by using clubs and associations as forums for AIDS education; and 7) transferring some of the responsibility of AIDS education to the members of these clubs and associations can help spread the message.
|
