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Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

The Role Of Media In Creating Awareness About HIV/AIDs: A Case Study Of UBC

Authors: Namuddu Rashidah1 , Freeman Crispus2

Journal: Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (MJAMR)

Volume/Issue: Volume 4 - Issue 10

Published: 01 Jan 1970


Abstract

The study examined the role of media in creating awareness about HIV/AIDS, using the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) as a case study. The research was guided by the objective of determining the relationship between various forms of media and HIV/AIDS prevention. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 200 respondents comprising media personnel, health communication officers, and community members. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to establish the predictive influence of media platforms television, radio, social media, print media, and community outreach on HIV/AIDS prevention outcomes. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between the media and HIV/AIDS prevention (R = 0.724, R² = 0.525, F = 41.57, p < 0.01), indicating that approximately 52.5% of the variation in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts was explained by the combined influence of media channels. Among these, television campaigns (β = 0.401, p = 0.001), radio programs (β = 0.355, p = 0.003), social media awareness messages (β = 0.298, p = 0.002), and community media outreach (β = 0.312, p = 0.001) were found to have significant positive effects on HIV/AIDS prevention. In contrast, print media showed an insignificant contribution (p = 0.071), suggesting limited effectiveness due to reduced readership and accessibility challenges. The findings emphasized that UBC, as a national broadcaster, played a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes and disseminating vital HIV prevention messages through interactive programs, news features, and community-oriented campaigns. Respondents noted that consistent and culturally sensitive media messages increased awareness of prevention methods, encouraged voluntary testing, and reduced stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. It was concluded that media remains a powerful tool for public health communication and that sustained use of mass and digital media can significantly contribute to behavioral change and the reduction of HIV transmission rates. The study recommended that UBC and other media houses should strengthen partnerships with the Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, and civil society organizations to design well-coordinated media campaigns targeting youth and rural audiences. Additionally, investment in digital media innovations and local language programming was recommended to ensure inclusive access to HIV/AIDS information across all social groups.
Keywords

Media, HIV/AIDS prevention, Awareness creation, UBC, Television campaigns, Radio programs, Social media

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