Browsing by Author "Mjule, Rosemary"

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    Communicating hiv/aids information among girls in secondary schools
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2008) Mjule, Rosemary
    This study brings forward the argument that HIV/AIDS communication among young people becomes effective if communication needs of this group are acknowledged. Through strategic communication that involves young people as active participants in addressing HIV/AIDS, young people can change their risk behaviors that put them at risk of HIV/AIDS infection. The study examined media that are found in Secondary schools and how they help girl- students communicate HIV/AIDS risk behaviours.The study observed and examined the nature of communication media, the level of involvement and participation in the communication process. The sampling method used was purposive sampling. A self¬administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 102 students from form II, III and IV, at Ruvu and Bagamoyo Secondary Schools. Focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, observation and documentary review were also used to collect qualitative data. The study discovered that girl students were able to get HIV/AIDS information through mass media, print media and other sources, such as from teachers, parents, life skills studies and their participation in TUSEME project. It was underscored that HIV/AIDS information from mass and print media was inadequate because it was a one-way mode of communication, that is, the media do not provide room for two- way communication. In this regard, the media cannot establish what the needs of the students are. The study established that the TUSEME communication approach gave the girls the opportunity to discuss how they experience different circumstances and behaviour that put them at risk of HIV/AIDS infection at school. Hence the study proposes that participatory communication strategies among young people can bring about changes regarding health and life. This is because the communication process takes into account the social realities they experience in daily life.