The link between drug use and HIV/AIDS among young people in ...

The electronic media such as the television were also utilized. Although young persons viewed
television programmes and productions, their impacts were minimal, particularly if productions were
not dramatic, and eventually the ultimate purpose was defeated.
Generally, these programmes were not 100% effective since programmes were mainly aired and
discussed during special events and were not continuous (focused upon year round). For instance
HIV/AIDS programmes are generally publicized around December 1 annually, which is World AIDS
Day. There was a need for continuous sensitization and programming.
The effectiveness of the programmes depended on it target audience. Younger children may be more
prone to listen than the older ones, who tend to be more stubborn minded.
Recommendations – Intervention & Sensitization Programmes
The following were recommended by key informants in an effort to prevent risky behavior among
youth:
It appeared that young persons were more sensitive to programmes such as group or seminar activities,
that is, programmes that they themselves were involved in. Young people had a tendency towards
needing to share their perceptions. Such activities can also act as counseling sessions. Drama also
attracted young people and impacted on their lives and way of thinking/cognitive ability.
Television productions should be utilized. However, it was very important that they have a dramatic
effect on the young viewers. Otherwise, the productions would be seen as “boring” and the intended
impact would be lost.
There was also a need to have persons affected by or who had contracted HIV/AIDS talk to the young
people about their own experiences and their struggles with the disease – the emotional stress and the
fight to maintain employment, how they are spurned by the public, and more importantly see how
AIDS victims look. This would definitely have an impact on young persons and scare them away from
risky behavior.
It was reported that young people imitated adult behavior. Therefore, it was important for adults to be
positive role models to young people.
Young persons had the general tendency to feel more comfortable, more relaxed interacting with other
young persons. Prevention and intervention were therefore more effective when young persons talked
to young people about the effects of negative behavior. Well informed, responsible and highly
perceived teens should talk to young persons about the dangers of drug use and risky sexual behavior.
It was very important that stakeholders find out what young persons were interested in before
programmes were implemented. Otherwise, these programmes would prove ineffective and promote
boredom on the parts of young persons.
In order to obtain the knowledge–attitude–behavior change, one must first understand the reason for
the behavior in the first place. In the instances where the behavior was for monetary gain as a result of
unemployment or poverty, provision must be made for skills training. All government ministries,
religious organizations and NGOs should collaborate, evaluate the situations and implement
appropriate strategies and programmes that address all psychosocial issues. Behavioral modification is
a multi-sectoral and holistic issue and cannot be dealt with in isolation.
More young people need to be engaged in peer educators training sessions so that they may have
positive influences on their peers, thereby replacing negative peer pressure with positive peer pressure
and decision-making.
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