Document 1852
 DOCN  M94A1852
 TI    Communications for behavior change: a postal information network on
       AIDS/safer sex for semi-urban and rural men in Tamilnadu.
 DT    9412
 AU    Jaya S; Media Foundation, Madras, India.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):437 (abstract no. PD0356). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370723
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To sustain a one-to-one exchange of information on sex,
       sexuality, HIV/AIDS, STIs and coping skills as an innovative movement
       towards HIV preventive behaviour change amongst rural and semi-urban men
       in Tamilnadu. METHOD: First level information on AIDS and related issues
       was disseminated through a popular news weekly. This weekly was chosen
       as 77% of its readers (1.3 millions) are males between the ages of 20-44
       coming from lower and middle income groups, who have completed school,
       but are not graduates, residing in remote rural and semi-urban areas.
       The readers responded with over 1,200 letters requesting explicit
       information on safer sex, STIs etc., related to their personal sexual
       habits: group sex (1%) bestiality (3%), masturbation (5%), homosexuality
       (8%) and STIs (7%). These are being answered through personalised,
       confidential letters that empower the respondent with a range of coping
       skills specific to his concerns and milieu. Note: There are 10,200 post
       offices in rural Tamilnadu, each with their own post master. There are
       also 45,000 letter boxes in the same area. A daily audit between post
       offices from village, taluk, district and state level ensures correct
       and efficient postal functioning. 'The postal system is the main channel
       of communication that is used by villages and small towns in Tamilnadu
       as a link to the outside world'--Post Master General. RESULTS: 1. We are
       getting data on the sexual practices prevalent in semi-urban and rural
       Tamilnadu. 2. This postal information service is reaching vital
       information on coping skills related to AIDS and sexuality to a group
       not covered by either targeted AIDS intervention programs or the media.
       3. Over 75% of the respondents request support services such as STI
       treatment, counselling etc. An informal referal system involving centres
       in rural Tamilnadu is therefore taking shape. DISCUSSION AND
       CONCLUSIONS: The postal network is an effective low cost channel to
       convey confidential information on HIV risk reduction and safer sex.
       Contrary to popular belief, group sex, bestiality, multiple partner sex
       and heterosexual anal sex are evidently in practice amongst semi-urban
       and rural men in Tamilnadu. In a country where homosexuality and
       commercial sex are illegal, the freedom to discuss these issues is
       limited. The postal network, for the time provides an opportunity for
       these groups to surface and freely express themselves. Hence, one to one
       networking is an effective beginning towards impacting high risk
       behaviour. As confidentiality is a primary concern, select NGOs/primary
       health centres/private practitioners are being identified and trained to
       provide respondents the opportunity to link up with support services
       near his own village/town.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL  Adult  *Health
       Education  Human  India  Male  *Postal Service  *Sex Behavior  MEETING
       ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).