Community based participatory research: Effective health communication in a nicaraguan community

Purpose: This community-based participatory research project was designed to address knowledge deficits regarding HIV/AIDs transmission in a small barrio in Managua, Nicaragua. Methods: Using data from a community assessment conducted by an interdisciplinary team of faculty from Nicaraguan and US universities and community leaders from the barrio, community members identified HIV/AIDs education as their most urgent need. They recommended using a DVD format so that residents could review the sensitive material privately. DVD content was derived from scientific literature and Nicaraguan informants to ensure that common misconceptions about HIV transmission were addressed, with all partners participating in development of the script and images used. A pre-post test design was used for evaluation. Prior to DVD distribution and four months later, a structured interview that assessed attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about HIV/AIDs was completed by a convenience sample of 64 adults from 60 households. Results: Participants were predominantly female (84%) with a mean age of 33 + 13.26. Paired t-test of mean difference revealed an average increase of 1 correct response (p <.001), with the largest changes observed in the responses related to HIV transmission and non-vaginal sex, kissing, and sharing eating utensils. Results suggest that knowledge about HIV transmission increased. Recommendations: The community's active participation resulted in an intervention that was theoretically sound and culturally appropriate. The educational DVD was created using free software by community members, university students, and faculty without special training in video production. The approach appears to be a cost-effective way to deliver sensitive health information.