Learning through Participation: An Innovative Approach to Educate Community Health Workers in Rural India about HIV/AIDS

Shah Darshan R.; Bogam Rahul R.; Pawar Shubhadarshini G

Volume : IV, Issue : XII, December - 2014

Learning through Participation: An Innovative Approach to Educate Community Health Workers in Rural India about HIV/AIDS

Shah Darshan R. , Bogam Rahul R. , Pawar Shubhadarshini G

Abstract :

Background: Community health worker approach has gained credibility in recent years through its support of HIV/AIDS care, in particular voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and treatment adherence support for people on HIV and TB treatment. Objective: To assess pre and post intervention knowledge and awareness levels of CHWs pertaining to HIV/AIDS. Material and Methods: A Cross sectional study where all 110 CHWs from rural area of Kolhapur District of Maharashtra participated in quiz competition followed by interactive session and completed pre and post intervention questionnaire. Each completed questionnaire was assigned marking system. The data was analysed by using ‘Paired t test’. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed for all 20 questions (Pre test mean marks = 8.17, post test mean marks = 14.54, t value = 28.47, p value <0.001). Conclusion: A simple intervention like quiz and interactive session can make significant change in knowledge of CHWs about HIV/AIDS.