Video content creators will now have to produce more HIV education related content for the adolescents.
A recent study conducted in Seme, Kisumu County revealed that film increases active participation in HIV related education among adolescent girls and young women.
The research revealed increased interest in HIV education, level of participation in HIV dialogue, knowledge of safer sex and the use of protection among the youth.
According to Judith Owuor the lead researcher in the study, there is need for integrating film as a way of educating young women on HIV.
“These results clearly shows the potential that lies in using multimedia content including videos and pictures in educating adolescents on issues concerning HIV,” she said.
The research involved a sample size of 1,315 young women aged 15-24, with the popular African film “Shuga” as the content of choice.
The Study
During the study, participants were exposed to five episodes of the production over a period of five weeks.
The research also showed willingness to test for HIV as well as reduced multiple sex partners’ behavior.
Of the sample size, 97 per cent made it through all the five “Shuga” sessions with 78 per cent reporting positive social behavior change.
The research, presented at the Reducing HIV in Adolescents and Youth (RHAY), was carried out by Pamoja, a Community Based Organization in Kisumu.
The RHAY conference was actively attended by youth mainly from the Sub- Saharan African countries.
