The effects of "Twende na Wakati" an entertainment-education radio soap opera for family planning and HIV / AIDS prevention in Tanzania. A progress report on the first year of broadcasting (1993-1994) "Twende na Wakati".

Abstract

This report covers the first year (1993-94) in which an entertainment-education radio soap opera was broadcast in most of Tanzania to promote family planning (FP) and HIV/AIDS prevention. The effects of the radio program on knowledge attitudes and behavior were measured using 1) annual surveys of 3000 respondents 2) clinic data on new acceptors of FP in 79 clinics 3) focus group interviews with members of the target audience 4) an analysis of the letters written to the radio station 5) a survey of a sample of the letter-writers 6) condom distribution data from the National AIDS program and 7) a content analysis of the soap opera scripts. Comparison data were gleaned from a control area in which the soap opera was not broadcast. The results of this investigation showed that the program achieved relatively high exposure and was attractive to listeners. Exposure led to only a modest increase in knowledge of FP and of HIV/AIDS prevention and modest changes in attitude toward FP because a high level of awareness and a positive attitude existed in Tanzania prior to the broadcasts. Behavior changes after exposure however showed an increase in use of FP from 19% to 28%. About 26% of new acceptors at the clinics attributed FP adoption to the radio show. Respondents also reported adopting HIV/AIDS prevention behavior changes. This radio show was aimed at both men and women and 46% of listeners reported discussing the show with their partners/spouses. Future investigations will look at the promotion of self-efficacy by the program to determine its effect on behavior change. At the end of the second year of broadcasts a final report will be issued.

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