The Effectiveness of Media Awareness Campaigns on HIV/AIDS Among College Students in Aizawl

Abstract

There have been many health media awareness campaigns in Mizoram. However, there are very few researches done to find out the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS media awareness campaign. Looking into the Mizoram context, it has been observed that a particular age group based research is necessary. According to NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation), it was reported that 73 percent of young people have misconceptions about modes of HIV transmission. Therefore, the absence of right guidance and information at this age may lead to multiple-partner and unprotected sex with high risk behaviour groups. So, this study aimed to find out the awareness level of the campaigns among the college students, the perceptions towards the campaign and actions taken through the media campaigns on HIV/AIDS. The study is done through quantitative method that a structured questionnaire was distributed among the selected college student in Aizawl. The study found that most of the students were aware of the HIV/AIDS related campaigns through different types of media and claimed to be very sure of the transmission route, the prevention procedures and its related measures to be taken which were projected in the campaign. The study found that only a small number of the respondents have got tested for HIV and care about the actions to be taken when it comes to real life. It was suggested that more in-depth study is required in the age group level and there is a need of revising the HIV/AIDS related media campaign strategies among the youth in Mizoram.