Communication Needs Assessment for IEC Activities for HIV/AIDS Campaign in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

This 8-page Executive Summary by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) is based on a study that formulates an information, education and communication (IEC) strategy for HIV/AIDS on behalf of the Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS). The study was carried out for the National Aids Control Organization (NACO) which sought to have each State's AIDS Control Society conduct a Communication Need Assessment of AIDS related IEC activities in their respective areas. One of the challenges faced by CMS in conducting the study was taking into consideration the diverse cultural, linguistic and social backgrounds of different communities residing in a geographically dispersed country.

CMS's survey included 408 respondents from four categories, comprising sexually active males and females, adolescents going to school (and dropouts), and high-risk groups (including prisoners, dockers, migrant labourers, truck drivers, etc. and female sex workers.) The survey was conducted in 7 semi-urban and 12 rural locations in the Andaman & Nicobar group of islands.

According to the study, misperceptions about how HIV/AIDS is contracted still exist but awareness was high among the respondents and safe sexual behaviour was perceived as a method of prevention by most of them. Discussion about HIV/AIDS is considered 'taboo' in India but the study indicates that more than half of the respondents discussed the issue of HIV/AIDS within groups and with family members. More than 40% of them, including teachers, had some reservations about discussing such sensitive issues within groups or with children. The report indicates that young people should be considered as a special sector that requires different communication strategies.

The study indicates that entertainment as a mode of communication is effective and that preferred formats include drama, television serials and documentary films where programmes containing messages on HIV/AIDS can be developed and slots for public service messages can be included between episodes. The study suggests that more emphasis is required in developing audio-visual programmes rather than print materials. Print materials are described as more expensive since printing facilities are not available on all the islands. The study makes reference to inter island modes of transportation such as boats or ships which can be used for pasting posters containing messages on HIV/AIDS since most people use water transport for traveling.

Please contact Ms. P N Vasanti: pnvasanti@cmsindia.org for the 8-page Summary and Recommendations Report.