COMPLIANCE WITH A RADIO ANTI-STIGMA CAMPAIGN ON HIV/AIDS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

HIV-related stigma remains a major barrier to the social inclusion and well-being of Persons Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). This study investigated the awareness, compliance, and attitudinal influence of Choice 97.1 FM Nnewi’s radio campaign against the stigmatization of PLWHA among selected residents of Awka South, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with data collected from 383 respondents using a purposive sampling technique. Findings revealed that all respondents were aware of the campaign, with 25% reporting very high awareness and 75% reporting high awareness. Despite this, only 4% complied with the campaign messages, and 96% indicated no change in their attitudes toward PLWHA. The findings were analyzed within the framework of Agenda-Setting Theory, which explains the campaign’s effectiveness in creating awareness but its limitations in influencing compliance and attitude. Based on the results, the study recommends that the radio campaign be supplemented with behavioral change strategies, community-based interventions, and supportive policies to enhance compliance and positively shape attitudes toward PLWHA.