ENGAGE-A3 model: communication risk to involve Myanmar workers in AIDS prevention

Introduction
Communicating health information to Myanmar transnational workers (MTWs) poses several challenges, including language barriers, unsatisfied needs for health information, use of in­appropriate channels or time of communication, and unsustainable outcomes of intervention. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) most at-risk group is composed of migrants worldwide, including Thailand, where HIV prevalence is high. This study aimed to develop an AIDS risk communication model for MTWs in Thailand.

Material and methods
Researchers created a proposed model on the basis of lessons learned and literature reviews. A focus group discussion with a panel of experts, in either working with migrants or communicating health risk, was conducted to receive feedback on improving the proposed model.

Results
The findings revealed that ENGAGE-A3 model (Earning trust, ENvironmental scanning, Getting local help, Action, Gamification, and Evaluating) can lead to assessment, awareness, and advocacy of AIDS risk in MTWs. The total mean score of experts’ opinions on the appropriateness of ENGAGE-A3 model was at a level of “very appropriate”, with a mean score of 4.26.

Conclusions
The obstacles to communicating risk to MTWs can be reduced by using the model found in this research, while the strengths of community were utilized to maximize impacts of intervention.