THE INFLUENCE OF AKBC PROGRAMME – AIDS AND YOU ON SELECTED VILLAGES IN IKOT EKPENE

THE INFLUENCE OF AKBC PROGRAMME –AIDS AND YOU ON SELECTED VILLAGES IN IKOT EKPENE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

 

In the bid to combat the epidemic and its t h re at to the survival of the human race, researchers and programme/project personnel are intent on developing the most innovative and creative strategies. The search for alternatives has highlighted the crucial role of communication and media in the support of these efforts . The mass media in particular have attracted great interest because of the perception of its role as a powerful and influential tool. Towards this end, several countries have initiated and maintained mass media projects. Since the first case of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was recognized in 1981 in the United States of America, its impact has been felt most severely on the economies of the developing world. Given that AIDS kill mostly people between 15 – 49 years of age group, it is therefore uniquely devastating in terms of increasing poverty and reversing human development achievements (UNDP 2001). Incidence and prevalence rates in Africa and most especially in Nigeria are staggering.

Nigeria is a developing economy and the negative impact of HIV/AIDS on a developing country is monumental. Several studies have suggested that AIDS can impact negatively on the rural household productive capacity through reduced quality and quantity of household’s labor and depletion of household’s financial resources. Health communicators have laid emphasis on the pivotal role of the media in the fast spread of scientific information related to the pandemia and viewed the vehicle of the media, especially the radio as necessary in curtailing the disease (Idu and Obinne 2003). In developing countries, radio and to some extent, televisions are the most effective tools of communication since they cut across literacy boundaries.

According to Kuponiyi (2000), radio is one broadcast medium that almost all experts agree is the most appropriate for rural and urban emancipation programme. Radio beats distance and thus has immediate effect. Radio is also cheap to obtain and widely owned by people due to the advent of the battery – operated transistorized sets (Moemeka 1993). The ultimate goal of this radio campaign is to create awareness and therefore prevent the further spread of the virus. Since the commencement of these programmes on radio, no empirical attempt has been made to examine the contribution of the station towards the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS. The study is therefore an attempt to examine the role of AKBC programme- AIDS and you in the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS among listeners. An study of this type is necessary in order to assess the role of the radio station in its campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS with a view to identifying areas where improvement is needed.

 

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

HIV/AIDS is the worst epidemic humanity has ever faced. It has spread further, faster and with more catastrophic long-term effects than any other disease. Its impact has become a devastating obstacle to development. Broadcast media have tremendous reach and influence, particularly with young people, who represent the future and who are the key to any successful fight against HIV/AIDS. We must seek to engage these powerful organizations as full partners in the fight to halt HIV/AIDS through awareness, prevention, and education. HIV-related stigma and discrimination are major barriers to effective prevention and, in fact, have been identified as major risk factors for HIV transmission. A number of media campaigns have focused on the need to overcome prejudice and encourage solidarity with people who are infected with, or affected by, the virus.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

 

The general objective of this study therefore is to assess the influence of AKBC programme – AIDS and you on selected villages in Ikot Ekpene. Specific objectives include to:

 

  1. To determine if residents of Ikot Ekpene listen to the AKBC programme “AIDS and You”

 

  1. Identify and determine the relative importance of AKBC programme – AIDS and you in the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ikot Ekpene

 

iii. Determine factors affecting listeners level of satisfaction with the radio programme AIDS and you on AKBC

 

  1. Ascertain if there is any behavioral change among listeners after their exposure to the aids and you broadcast on AKBC

 

1.4 Research Questions

 

The following research questions where formulated:

 

  1. Do residents of Ikot Ekpene listen to the AKBC programme “AIDS and you” ?

 

  1. what is the relative importance of AKBC programme – AIDS and you in the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ikot Ekpene?

 

iii. what are factors affecting listeners level of satisfaction with the radio programme AIDS and you on AKBC?

 

iv.is there is any behavioral change among listeners after their exposure to the aids and you broadcast on AKBC?

 

 

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

 

The scope of the study is limited to the influence of AKBC Programme –AIDS and you on selected villages in Ikot Ekpene. The major factors that stood as limitations to the research study are:

Respondents: Reluctant to deliver quality information as regards the research while some times the effort of reaching back to the people is in vein.

Finances: Financial position stood as a basic challenge as the researcher could not afford the high cost of transportation to different libraries to source for information.

 

 

1.6 Significance of the Study

The following are the significance of the study; it will bring to light the role of the media in campaigning against HIV/AIDS, it will reveal the impact of AKBC programme – AIDS and you in the  campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ikot Ekpene.

 

1.7  Definition of Terms

AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, disease of the immune system caused by infection with the retrovirus HIV, which destroys some types of white blood cells and is transmitted through blood or bodily secretions such as semen

 

Influence – the power that somebody has to affect other people’s thinking or actions

 

Campaign – a planned and organized series of actions intended to achieve a specific goal, especially fighting for or against something or raising people’s awareness of something

 

 

HIV – either of two strains of a retrovirus, HIV-1 or HIV-2, that destroys the immune system’s helper T cells, the loss of which causes AIDS. Full form human immunodeficiency virus

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