5173.1: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 3:00 PM

Abstract #8610

Impact of a mass media peer promotion program on adolescent sexual/reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in three cities in Paraguay

Amara Robinson, MPH, International Health, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2200, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-988-6265, arobins1@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

This paper presents the findings of an impact evaluation of the Arte y Parte program, a mass media-based peer education program implemented in Asuncion, San Lorenzo, and Fernando de la Mora, Paraguay during 1997-99. The objectives of the program were to increase knowledge of sexual and reproductive health issues among adolescent’s 15-19 years old and increase the media’s understanding and coverage of adolescent reproductive health issues. The program attempted to reach in- and out-of-school adolescents through a variety of communication channels: weekly radio talk show, stage performances in schools and at community events, workshops in schools, videos, TV spots during national adolescent week, informational pamphlets, community media events, and the distribution of other items containing the Arte y Parte logo to adolescents. As the intervention was a “full-coverage” program, there were no appropriate control groups for an experimental design. Program impact was measured by the magnitude of “dose-response” relationships between indicators of program exposure and relevant outcomes. Multivariate statistical methods were used to account for the influences of extraneous factors and potential bias due to targeting. Data for the evaluation were provided by a baseline survey of 1,000 adolescents conducted prior to program implementation and a follow-up survey of 1,600 adolescents conducted in September 1999.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be exposed to evaluation methodology for assessing the impact of mass media campaigns on sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in three selected urban areas in Paraguay

Keywords: Adolescents, International, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA