Attitudes of people on HIV/AIDS television information in Dar es Salaam: a case study of University of Dar es Salaam

This study investigated on the attitude of people on HIV/AIDS television information a the University of Dar es salaam, Dar es Salaam. The objective of the study was to determine the role of television in the dissemination of HIV/AIDS information, anc assess the viewers' attitudes on HIV/AIDS television commercials, songs and televisior plays in conveying HIV/AIDS message to the public. It also aimed at determining factors explaining the differences in attitudes among viewers. Among factors hypothesized to influence attitudes were religious background, different education level, different ages and different perspectives. The findings revealed that, television media have many roles in the society, including: educating, entertaining, informing, and warning. The study revealed some disparities in attitudes among television viewers and it support the assumption of the study by revealing factors which lead to attitudinal differences these are cultural values, norms and taboos of the community members, education level, religious beliefs, gender and age. The study concludes by recommending on redesigning of the HIV/AIDS Television Advertisements (HATA) so as to increase the acceptability to viewers. The government through its agencies to closely monitor the quality of the HATA, The ministry concerned with broadcasting need to monitor the ethics of the program designers and lastly the study suggest involvement of highly regarded drama professionals so as to deliver a clear and unambiguous messages to the audiences. All these should be done so as to rectify the existing difference in attitudes against the HIV/AIDS television information which act as obstacles toward the war on HIV pandemic.