The Reach and Impact of Radio Communication Campaigns on Reproductive Health in Malawi


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Author(s): Meekers D, Van Rossem R, Silva M, Koleros A

Year: 2004

The Reach and Impact of Radio Communication Campaigns on Reproductive Health in Malawi Abstract:
State-sponsored radio programs in Malawi attempt to educate the population about family planning, health, and condom use. This paper assesses the reach of these program and analyzes their actual impact on family planning and condom use. Researchers used data from the 2000 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey. Researchers found that exposure to radio programs about family planning and health was very high, particularly for males. Both men and women who were exposed to radio programs about family planning and HIV/AIDS were more likely to have discussed family planning with their partners, but unfortunately had no significant effect on condom use in last intercourse for either sex. To insure that future radio programs increase their effectiveness in increasing condom use for HIV prevention and family planning, this report recommends that qualitative research be used to inform the design of key campaign messages.

Filed under: Condoms , Reproductive Health