Effectiveness of drama in promoting voluntary HIV counselling and testing in rural villages in southern Malawi
Rumsey, D.S.; Brabin, L.; Mfutso-Bengo, J.-M.; Cuevas, L.E.; Hogg, A.; Brabin, B.J.
International Journal of Std and Aids 15(7): 494-496
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0956-4624 PMID: 15228741 DOI: 10.1258/0956462041211270Document Number: 234569
A study was undertaken in 2003 in 7 villages in Chikwawa District, Malawi to assess the role of drama as a tool to promote knowledge of, and positive attitudes towards voluntary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and testing (VCT). The drama, which was translated into Chichewa, comprised songs giving information on HIV/VCT, a 30-minute drama and an epilogue, and was performed by 2 drama groups. A total of 83 girls and 90 boys (median age, 16.3 years), and 133 parents were interviewed both before and after the drama production. Knowledge levels improved significantly after the drama, and were largely retained at follow-up. Over 90% of adolescents and parents said they would support HIV testing although parents expressed reluctance to tell a spouse or go to hospital should a child test positive. Asked about advantages of testing, adolescents mentioned avoiding infecting others (27%), improving one's diet to live longer (25%), planning for the future (11%) and getting treatment (12%). Disadvantages included fear of being stigmatized (21%), depression (21%), suicidal feelings (20%) and awareness of impending death (16%). Girls were more fearful of stigmatization than boys (36% vs. 7%; P<=0.001). For parents, disadvantages also included stopping having children (7%) and spending more money on medicines than on family (10%). It is concluded that drama raised the knowledge levels of adolescents and parents and promoted a positive attitude to VCT.