Systematic review of the effectiveness of mass communication programs to change HIV/AIDS-related behaviors in developing countries

This review systematically examined the effectiveness of 24 mass media interventions on changing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. The intervention studies were published from 1990 through 2004, reported data from developing countries and compared outcome...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health education research 2006-08, Vol.21 (4), p.567-597
Main Authors: Bertrand, Jane T., O'Reilly, Kevin, Denison, Julie, Anhang, Rebecca, Sweat, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
At Risk Persons
Attitude Change
Behavior Change
Behavior Modification
Communication
Comparative Analysis
Condoms
Developing Countries
Developing Nations
Health Behavior
Health Education - methods
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health technology assessment
HIV
HIV Infections - prevention & control
HIV Infections - psychology
HIV Infections - transmission
Humans
Interpersonal Communication
Intervention
Interventions
Knowledge Level
Law Enforcement
Mass Media
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Outcomes of Education
Program Effectiveness
Risk-Taking
Safe Sex
Self Efficacy
Sexual Behavior - psychology
Sexual behaviour
Sexual health promotion
Sexuality
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Systematic review
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Summary:This review systematically examined the effectiveness of 24 mass media interventions on changing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. The intervention studies were published from 1990 through 2004, reported data from developing countries and compared outcomes using (i) pre- and post-intervention data, (ii) treatment versus control (comparison) groups or (iii) post-intervention data across levels of exposure. The most frequently reported outcomes were condom use (17 studies) and knowledge of modes of HIV transmission (15), followed by reduction in high-risk sexual behavior (eight), perceived risk of contracting HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (six), interpersonal communication about AIDS or condom use (six), self-efficacy to negotiate condom use (four) and abstaining from sexual relations (three). The results yielded mixed results, and where statistically significant, the effect size was small to moderate (in some cases as low as 1-2% point increase). On two of the seven outcomes, at least half of the studies did show a positive impact of the mass media: knowledge of HIV transmission and reduction in high-risk sexual behavior. Further rigorous evaluation on comprehensive programs is required to provide a more definitive answer to the question of media effects on HIV/AIDS-related behavior in developing countries.
ISSN:0268-1153
1465-3648
DOI:10.1093/her/cyl036