An HIV/AIDS Awareness Prevention Project in Sri Lanka: Evaluation of Drama and Flyer Distribution Interventions

An evaluation was done on an AIDS Awareness Project targeting the West Coast of Sri Lanka. Dramas, performed primarily by volunteers, depicted the causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS. Flyers illustrating specific facts about HIV/AIDS were given at the dramas and at specific sites, such as bus stations. A pencil and paper pre-post design was used to evaluate the dramas and revealed that the primary respondent was an educated male who was very knowledgeable about basic HIV/AIDS information and had learned this primarily from the media (television and newspapers). Changes in attitude occurred as a result of the intervention, with respondents becoming more aware of their susceptibility to the disease and more willing to seek out advice from the Buddhist clergy if diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The flyer distribution intervention revealed that brochures that address various levels of literacy may be more accepted by the general public.