HIV/AIDS: Preliminary Health Promotion activity based on service-learning principles in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Objectives To investigate the effects of a service-learning based health promotion elective on knowledge of HIV & AIDS and ways to prevent them. Method A computer-based quiz, an information poster, an interactive board game and a take-home information leaflet on HIV/AIDS were developed by final year pharmacy students under supervision, as part of an exhibit during the 2009 National Festival of Science and Technology (SciFest) held in Grahamstown, South Africa. Predominantly school learners took part in the quiz and other educational activities. Results The majority (53.1%) of the 179 junior quiz participants were male learners and the majority (63.6%) of the 253 senior quiz participants were female learners. Results of the pre-intervention scores demonstrate fair knowledge of HIV/AIDS with 64.5% and 71.3% for the junior and senior school participants, respectively. Educational interventions resulted in improvement in the number of correct answers to some of the questions. The results showed significant gender differences for the pre- and post-intervention mean percentage scores among the junior quiz participants and only in the pre-intervention scores of the senior quiz participants. Conclusion The health promotion elective was successful in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS but continuous, concerted health promotion activities and advocacy by all health care professionals is needed to address the prevention of HIV/AIDS.