| Title: | Electronic Media Programming for HIV/AIDS Behavioural Change in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria |
| Author(s): | Asogwa Chika Euphemia & Salawu Stephen |
| Abstract: | This study examined electronic media programming for HIV/AIDS Behavioural Change in Lokoja, Kogi State in order to control and prevent further spread of the pandemic in Nigeria. This study adopts a survey research method and the research instruments used were questionnaire and focused group interview. The population of study is 220,000 residents of Lokoja metropolis. Due to the fact that the topic is a very sensitive one and many persons were not willing to discuss this topic , a sample of one hundred and twenty respondents was purposively chosen for the study to examine if programmes and advertisement messages about HIV/AIDS in the electronic media has impacted on their audience to influence attitudinal and behaviour change. The article adopted theories of agenda setting and diffusion as the theoretical framework. Findings revealed that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Kogi State is attributable to low level of knowledge which can be remedied through programmes that can influence behavioural change among the general populace. The study recommends that electronic media and those involved in HIV/AIDS prevention should mainstream behaviour change communication strategies into programmes’ contents in a way that motivates their audience to change their behaviour from attitudes that fuel the epidemic. |
| Keywords: | Electronic media; programming; Behaviour change; Attitude; HIV/AIDS |
