University of Kelaniya
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Browsing University of Kelaniya by Subject "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome"
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Item Contribution of communication media in prevention of AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in Sri Lanka(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2006) RANATUNGA, KMDThis research studies the contribution of communication media in prevention of HIVI AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Sri Lanka, aiming at a constructive criticism 'on the role of communication media in the prevention of AIDS and STI in Sri Lanka. Methodological approaches employed in the research as follows. Literature survey was conducted regarding the researches on issues of commercial sex workers nationally and internationally. Literature available on the role of media related to HIV/AIDS prevention in Sri Lanka was limited. There ware few researches on the behaviour patterns of commercial sex workers by Professor Nandasena Rathnapala, but the role of media in portraying sexuality have not been found locally. There were few researches conducted in other Asian countries and they supported to develop the methodology with the thoughts gathered through brain storming sessions conducted with group of expertise. The brain storming sessions were conducted with few sociologists who are having exposure to this field, medical doctors who are working for HIV I AIDS prevention programmes, commercial sex workers and non governmental organizations (NGO) which are working with commercial sex workers. These discussions and findings of literature survey led to formation of the questionnaire, designing the project, and identifying the important points which are critical in prevention of HIV I AIDS. Trained interviewers administered the questionnaire to a sample of 41 sex workers. While the questionnaire used for this research suited the small number of participants, it is paramount that the questionnaire should cover broader issues. The questionnaire collected quantitative data on the demographic, economic status and usage of media. Building up a rapport with the sex workers and gaining confidence were some of the problems that the interviewer faced in the field. Many sex workers were reluctant to reveal accurate information on their age and duration in the profession. SPSS package was used in data entry. analysis and tabulation. Information gathered through this process employed in developing Communication model. Sample of the research was a group of relatively young female aging 17 to 32 years and a majority 68.4 percent. being married. The unmarried females also had pregnancies and some of them were delivered but some have terminated the pregnancy. 57.8 percent of the subjects read news papers and Birinda was the popular news paper among them. 82 percent of them watch television and 63 percent listen to radio, but could not spare enough time to those due to the busy nature of their profession. Almost all of they knew about condoms, but condom usage is 61 percent. 66 percent of them were infected with STls showing the vulnerability . to HIV infection among them. While the research could not pinpoint exactly which media should be used to address the commercial sex workers and it suggests the importance of a multimedia approach. The research also studies the socio- economical, educational and cultural backgrounds of the sex workers in order to create a communication model that will suit the needs of these women. The communication model is geared to make sustainable behavioural changes with emphasis on concise, precise and simple information. The communication model lays emphasis on advocating policy makers to create a friendly environment for commercial sex workers. This suggests formation of a national policy which will not penalize the integrity and the emotions of these much stigmatized and exploited group. Commercial sex workers are considered as a strong stakeholder in preventing the spread of HJV/AIDS in any setting. An effective communication strategy targeted to the media habits of this group is needed to educate them to minimize the.exposure to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection. Further. the communication model lays emphasis on creating a sustainable behavioural change not only among sex workers but among secondary target groups such as the clients of CSWs as well as policy makers.