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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).