Monitoring and Evaluation of a Model Development Project and Strategic Campaign on HIV/AIDS Prevention among Muslim Communities in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Prevention and control of HIV/AIDS among Muslim communities using religious principles and practices helps to prevent HIV/AIDS epidemic. Therefore, monitoring and evaluation of outcome achievements will shape policy implications. Methods: A mixed method design using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods was performed to verify the project achievements, best practices on strategic campaign and strengthening partnership and networking for project management among Muslim communities. Results: A total of 60 trainees were selected from 10 communities as peer educators in a training of trainer program to conduct training activities on HIV/AIDS prevention and control among Muslim communities. Best practices focused on people's perceptions that HIV/AIDS reflects the morals and ethics of community members, using the Noble Al Quran to teach people on appropriate sexual behaviours, to sacrifice themselves for others, and to strengthen partnership and networking through religious leaders, community leaders, housewives, village health volunteers and teenagers as a change agent for sustainable project management. Regarding 84% of returned questionnaires from the target communities, the respondents had their knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission and their awareness on HIV/AIDS severity in a moderate to high level. There mean scores of knowledge and awareness between male and female respondents were not significant different. Around 59.5% of them reported on sexual experiences and preventive behaviours. In all, 30% had sexual experiences and 100% denied having sex with HIV patients but only 20% always used condoms when having sex. Among 70% who never have sexual experience, 56.7% will always use condom when having sex. Conclusions: The Noble Al Quran helped Muslims to realize appropriate sexual behaviours. Religious leaders are the catalysts of HIV/AIDS prevention and sex education that can be expanded as a nationwide program in every Islamic school.