PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF RADIO NIGERIA PROGRAMME, “ABOUT HIV/AIDS” A STUDY OF SOME SOUTH EASTERN STATES OF NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated public perception of Radio Nigeria programme, About HIV/AIDS in South East Nigeria by focusing on two target states- Enugu and Ebonyi. The study adopted the survey research design and collected data through a 28 item semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 384 respondents were drawn as sample size from a population of 5,444,184, in Enugu and Ebonyi states. The process of behaviour change theory, the communication–persuasion model and the health belief model, served as theoretical foundations for the study. The instrument for data collection was face validated by the supervisor while the reliability was ascertained for internal consistency using the split-half technique. The split-half test showed a reliability of 70%. Data was analyzed using excel software and the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to determine frequencies and percentages. The data were presented in tables, pie-charts and bar charts. Findings showed that majority of the respondents were aware of About HIV/AnIDS radio/Nigeria programme. Also there was significant influence related to HIV/AIDS information level. The study found that majority of the respondents perceived About HIV/AIDS programmes as very useful. Usefulness was in the areas of influencing the adoption of new behaviour towards HIV/AIDS, positive attitude and awareness with regard to HIV/AIDS. Also, there was significant influence related to prevention and stigmatization information among the respondents. Findings also showed that About HIV/AIDS programme influenced respondents in the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention treatment and control behavior. Among others, the study recommends that there is need to explore other strategies for making the About HIV/AIDS programme of radio Nigeria, Enugu, more attractive to the target audience.