Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
2008
Abstract
Mass media initiatives are being implemented globally to provide information and foster HIV preventive behavior, however there has been limited evaluation of these efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. The Straight Talk (ST) program in Uganda has targeted youth with HIV and reproductive health (RH) information for over a decade. Evaluation results show positive associations between exposure to ST media and a number of key outcomes among youth, including sexual behavior, knowledge, and attitudes. In 2005–06, the Horizons Program conducted the first impact evaluation of the ST program in Uganda to document its effects on young people. This brief focuses on the findings of the adolescent survey. Overall, the study indicates that many Ugandan adolescents have benefited from ST products, and that greater exposure was associated with greater benefits. This includes less sexual activity among exposed males, and higher levels of HIV testing and RH knowledge among exposed youth. The ST program is using the results of the Horizons’ evaluation to strengthen the successful elements of its activities and address gaps.
Recommended Citation
Adamchak, Susan E., Karusa Kiragu, Cathy Watson, Medard Muhwezi, Tobey Nelson Sapiano, Ann Akia-Fiedler, Richard Kibombo, and Milka Juma. 2008. "Helping youth prevent HIV: An evaluation of the Straight Talk program in Uganda," Horizons Research Summary. Washington, DC: Population Council.
DOI
10.31899/hiv12.1002
Language
English
Project
Horizons Program
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, International Public Health Commons, Medicine and Health Commons