Abstract

The study investigated the effectiveness of television in disseminating Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) messages to rural communities in Abia State. Abia State is made of three senatorial zones. From two zones, 50 respondents were randomly selected bringing the total to 100 respondents. Data were generated through the use of interview schedule. The respondents were exposed to a special television documentary on HIV/AIDS over a two-day period; there was a ‘before and after’ evaluation after the T.V exposure programme. To determine the effectives of television messages, the ‘before and after’ results were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The E₂ to E₁ formula was used where E₁ = before the intervention measurement and E₂ = after intervention measurement. In all, the television message caused only 10% increase in the awareness/knowledge of HIV/AIDS messages among the respondents. It was therefore concluded that the television alone was not too effective in creating awareness and increasing knowledge on HIV/AIDS in the rural communities in Abia State. The paper recommended that the television and interpersonal communication methods should be combined in reaching the rural areas effectively with HIV/AIDS messages.

Key words: Effectiveness, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immuno deficiency syndrome television, rural communities.