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

Jane T. Bertrand, Kevin O'Reilly, Julie Denison, Rebecca Anhang, Michael Sweat

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

183 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)567-597
Number of pages31
JournalHealth education research
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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