An evaluation of an education programme on HIV infection using puppetry and street theatre
Skinner, D.; Metcalf, C.A.; Seager, J.R.; de Swardt, J.S.; Laubscher, J.A.
Aids Care 3(3): 317-329
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-0121 PMID: 1932196 DOI: 10.1080/09540129108253079Document Number: 315742
A program of street theater has been developed in South Africa to disseminate educational messages at the community level on the prevention of HIV infection. Puppets Against AIDS employs 2-meter tall puppets to recount the story of how an HIV-positive person infects others until his eventual death. Aimed at the general community, these entertaining and educational shows include music, and are put on without advance publicity. Sex and death often being sensitive taboo issues, puppets were chosen as safe, non-threatening communicators for culturally diverse populations. The presentation was deemed professional and comprehensive. Suggestions were made for improvement. 2nd-stage evaluation questioned appropriateness and effectiveness at the community level, and consisted of a before and after audience impact study based upon a series of 21 live performances in 9 locales. Improvements and positive changes were measured for respondents' self-perceived knowledge about AIDS, expressed concern about AIDS, perceptions of who can get AIDS, perceptions of who will not get AIDS, knowledge of the healthy carrier state, knowledge of modes of transmission, perceived fatality of AIDS, and knowledge of protective behavior. Moreover, 97% of respondents stated that they had enjoyed the show. Overall, the paper urges further evaluation of the show, and incorporation of it into a multi-sectoral, ongoing campaign to effect maximum impact.