title: Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of tuberculosis educational activities for prisoners in Honduras.
abstract: METHODS
  Prisons throughout Honduras.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to improve non-standardized tuberculosis (TB) educational campaign materials utilized in prisons.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative assessment was conducted. Prison staff completed a survey describing development and implementation of educational activities at each prison (n=25). Completed surveys with photographs or copies of educational materials were collected and cataloged. The content, literacy demand, illustrations, learning stimulation, and cultural appropriateness of cataloged items were assessed using an adapted version of the Suitability Assessment of Materials Instrument. Results from this assessment were examined in conjunction with information collected through focus groups conducted with prisoners and interviews with prison staff.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Campaign strengths included the development and dissemination of print materials appropriate for individuals with low literacy levels. By actively engaging prisoners in the campaigns, materials often incorporated the language, values, and experiences encountered within prison culture. Content of print materials and presentations focused on correcting misperceptions and facilitating acceptance of TB control activities. Campaign weaknesses included the creation of illustrations that could perpetuate the stigma associated with TB and use of some materials in which the purpose was not apparent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The campaigns were generally suitable, and the evaluation allowed for their improvement.
authors.affiliation: Lung Health Center and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35233-7337, USA. jmangan@uab.edu
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Mangan
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Arias
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sierra
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Medina
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yanez
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Kimerling
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006721:Honduras; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011329:Prisoners / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*