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Wong JPH, Kteily-Hawa R, Chambers LA, Hari S, Vijaya C, Suruthi R, Islam S, Vahabi M. Exploring the use of fact-based and story-based learning materials for HIV/STI prevention and sexual health promotion with South Asian women in Toronto, Canada. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2019; 34:27-37. [PMID: 30496410 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyy042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Story-based learning is well recognized as an effective strategy for adult health education. However, there is a scarcity of research on story-based health education among women in South Asian diasporic communities. To address this gap, we undertook a pilot study in Toronto to explore how South Asian women respond to the use of fact-based and story-based materials for HIV/STI prevention. A total of 78 women were recruited from across the city. We engaged nearly half of the women (n=40) using fact sheets on HIV/STIs, and the remainder (n=38) using stories written by South Asian women on HIV/STIs. Surveys and focus groups were used to explore participants' responses in terms of knowledge, attitudes and perspectives. Results indicated that both approaches were effective in increasing participants' knowledge of HIV/STIs. Participants in the fact-based sessions tended to distance themselves from the idea of personal HIV/STI risks. Participants in the story-based groups were emotionally engaged, expressing personal commitments to take a stand against HIV stigma. In summary, within-culture stories are potentially effective tools that enable women to make sense of their own life situations and contextual vulnerabilities. Story-based materials are useful for breaking the silence of taboo topics, addressing stigma and discrimination and raising awareness about collective empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Pui-Hing Wong
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roula Kteily-Hawa
- Women's College Research Institute, University of Toronto, Room 6407, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Education, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Lori A Chambers
- School of Social Work, McMaster University, Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), Room 319, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shriya Hari
- Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, 120 Carlton Street, Suite 315, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chikermane Vijaya
- Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, 120 Carlton Street, Suite 315, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ragulan Suruthi
- Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, 120 Carlton Street, Suite 315, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shazia Islam
- Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, 120 Carlton Street, Suite 315, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mandana Vahabi
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
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