Using Theatrical Presentations as a Means of Disseminating Knowledge of HIV/AIDS Risk Factors to Migrant Farmworkers: An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Infórmate Program

• DOI: 10.1007/s10903-006-9023-9
• Publication Date: 2007-01-05T07:32:13Z
• Authors: Joseph D. Hovey; Victoria Booker; Laura D. Seligman
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Transients and Migrants; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adolescent; 4. Education; Agriculture; HIV Infections; California; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; Female; Child; Drama; Program Evaluation

Previous research has suggested that Mexican migrant farmworkers are at elevated risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and that they are in need of receiving HIV/AIDS-related education. The present study evaluated the impact of the Infórmate adolescent theater program on HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes among farmworker audience members of various ages. Audience members from 7 migrant farmworker camps completed a self-administered questionnaire before and after they observed the Infórmate performance. Paired-samples t-tests and McNemar tests indicated an increase in knowlege in "modes of HIV transmission," "body fluids that can transmit HIV," and items assessing HIV/AIDS "myths." In addition, a greater percentage of farmworkers at posttest reported that they believed that condoms should always be used during sex. The overall findings from this study suggest that theater can be an effective medium for increasing HIV/AIDS-related knowledge among migrant farmworkers. However, it is suggested that, because some farmworkers held false beliefs regarding modes of HIV transmission after viewing the theater program, theater used in combination with other prevention activities may provide for a more comprehensive educational experience.