Utilization of HIV  and AIDS information through broadcast media

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the study

The broadcast media plays a vital role in the development process of a country is not again saying. The mass media generally regarded as a channel of communication that are capable of reaching heterogeneous audience simultaneously with uniform message. They regularly cover all sorts of issues such as health, music, fine art, crime, sport, entertainment, political events among others (Meyer, 2002, Soela 2004). The mass media transmits ideas and new information to target audience in the society. Tosanisunmi (2004) has observed that the mass media educate, inform and entertain beyond these functions as they also persuade and catalyze for social mobilization. In other words, the mass media can be regarded as powerful service of information because they have the capability to penetrate every segment of society. They have the ability to disseminate messages about issue, ideas and product. Furthermore, the mass media has that capability to create awareness and knowledge about issues of national interest. The traditional mass media usually consist of radio, television, newspaper and magazine while the news media involves the internet technologies. Contextually, these media have the responsibility to mobilize for national development. In other words, social mobilization for development largely depends on the media for success. Crusade for change and dissemination of useful information against corruption, bad governance and terrorism depend on the mass media. Ogwezzy (2010) states that it is a common knowledge that the media is the engine of mass communication and the avenue through which the public could be reached.

Social media platforms are being studied by health researchers and mobilized for a variety of purposes: recruitment for clinical trials; professional development and training for clinicians; inter-professional communication and coordination; training simulations; health social networks and health and illness support groups; health advocacy and fundraising for health organizations; development of interactive, self-management tools and plugins to popular social media platforms; public health messaging; infectious disease monitoring. The broadcast media have a pivotal role to play in the fight against AIDS. It is often said that education is the vaccine against HIV. Many media organizations are rising to the challenge by promoting awareness of HIV/AIDS and educating listeners and viewers about the facts of the epidemic and how to stop it. According to national surveys conducted in the United States, 72% of Americans identify television, radio and newspapers as their primary source of information about HIV/AIDS, more than doctors, friends and family. Similar statistics have also been reported in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world. In a survey carried out in India more than 70% of respondents said they had received their information about HIV/AIDS from television. Clearly, media organizations have an enormous influence in educating and empowering individuals to avoid contracting HIV. Doing so with maximum efficiency, however requires a clear understanding of the challenges and the obstacles to widespread and effective HIV-prevention education.

1.2      Statement of the problem

HIV/AIDS continues to pose a health risk in the society, in light of the consistent increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence, the need for alternative ways of creating HIV/AIDS awareness needs to be explored. The youths are positioned to take advantage of their access to young minds and effectively disseminate HIV/AIDS information whenever possible. With the barrage of broadcast media, the hope for possible means and ways of disseminating HIV/AIDS information amongst youths can be challenging. Youth choose to engage in broadcast media rather than being engaged with their surroundings that form their community. Resorting to alternative and the so called ‘in your face’ campaigns is essential. Apart from the broadcast media being a vehicle for the dissemination of HIV/AIDS awareness information, posters although traditional are useful when used in high foot traffic environments like university corridors and student cafeterias etc.

1.3      Objectives of the study

The main objective of the study is the utilization of HIV and AIDS information through broadcast media. However for the successful completion of the study, the following sub objectives were put forward by the researcher:

(i)To identify the possible causes of HIV and AIDS in our society.

(ii) To evaluate the degrees of health effect that can be caused by HIV and AIDS.

(iii) To examine the impact of HIV and AIDS in our society.

(iv) To  evaluate the effectiveness of the broadcast media in disseminating HIV/AIDS awareness information.

1.4  Research question

For the successful completion of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

(i)How can the possible causes of HIV and AIDS in our society be identified?

(ii)What are the ways of evaluating the degrees of health effect that can be caused by HIV and AIDS?

(iii) How can the impact of HIV and AIDS in our society be examined?

(iv)What is the significant level of evaluating the effectiveness of the broadcast media in disseminating HIV/AIDS awareness information?

1.5 Significance of the study

The results of this research could prompt the youths and other organizations to reconsider the use of posters as one of the means of disseminating HIV/AIDS awareness information. Posters are an affordable and accessible form of communication. The creative manner in which posters are presented, allows for consistent renewal of HIV/AIDS awareness messages. This renewal is vital in maintaining interest in the subject matter especially in a society that claims to have an overload of HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.

It is conceived that the study will also be of great importance to researcher who are in need of information on similar field. Finally, the study will also be of great importance to lecturers, teacher’s students and the general public.

1.6 Scope and limitation of the study

The scope of the study is the utilization of HIV and AIDS information through broadcast media. However, the study has some constrained and limitations which are:

(a)Availability of research material: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.      

(b)Time: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.      

(c)Finance: The finance available for the research work does not allow for wider coverage as resources are very limited as the researcher has other academic bills to cover.

1.7 Definition of terms

Utilization

It is the action of making practical and effective use of something.

H.I.V

H.I.V (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system. Without a strong immune system, the body has trouble fighting off disease. Both the virus and the infection it causes are called H.I.V.

White blood cells are an important part of the immune system.

A.I.D.S

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Acquired means you can get infected with it, Immune Deficiency means a weakness in the body's system that fights diseases, Syndrome means a group of health problems that make up a disease. It also refer to a set of symptoms and illnesses that occur at the very final stage of HIV infection.

Information

It is the facts provided or learned about something or someone.

Broadcast media

 Broadcast media covers a wide spectrum of different communication methods such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines etc.

It is also the distribution of audio or video content or other messages to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass communications medium but typically one using the electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves).

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