In 2017 we reached out to young U-Reporters across Myanmar with poll questions on a range of health-related issues. We wanted to gauge what they knew about certain illnesses like dengue and HIV/AIDS and whether they felt they had the knowledge and means to prevent and/or deal with them. We also asked about young people’s access to health care and what barriers existed, if any. Here are some highlights of the responses that poured in.
Though our poll on access to health care, we learned that most U-Reporters had become sick at some point during the year and that most had sought care either in a hospital or health centre. They also told us that money was the main barrier preventing members of their community from seeking health care when they need it.
Find the full poll results here.
2. When we tested their knowledge about dengue we were blown away by the fact that most of our U-Reporters knew how the illness was transmitted and how to protect themselves from catching it. Interestingly, they said that media (TV in particular) were the key channels to pass on important health/dengue messages to the public.
Find the full poll results here.
3. We also asked them about HIV testing and whether they would be willing to find out their HIV status. An impressive majority said they would and most were aware of HIV testing and counselling free of charge services in their communities, which we reiterated once they had responded.
Find the full [AR1] poll results here.
4. With Hand washing practices being so important to keep healthy, we developed a poll to get a sense of the practices and knowledge of adolescents and young people with regards to hand washing. Responses were very interesting and encouraging as the majority of U-Reporters said they wash their hands with soap and water. Also the majority of U-Reporters wash their hands before handling food and taking meals, after using the toilet and after handling waste and dirty things. Well done!!!! More than half of U-Reporters were aware that hand washing can prevent diarrhoea, flu and respiratory infections. Find the full poll results here.
