14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. E11484)

Edeoga NC, Ihekweazu CA
Student, Dekalb Illinois, United States

BACKGROUND: The press is a very important means of disseminating infromation on HIV/AIDS in every country. Nigeria is well known for its vibrant press, yet it has often been criticised for un-professionalism and sensationalism in the reporting of the HIV/AIDS situation.

METHODS: 3 Nigerian newspapers that have a presence on the world wide net were reviewed for articles published using the key words HIV Or AIDS. These were then analysed for the last 2 years retrospectively. 10 factors were used in the analysis.

RESULTS: 82% of the articles studied were news articles, 17%feature articles, while 1% were editorials. Most of the news articles with stories on alleged cures, which dominated the newspapers for about 6 months. There was however a predominance of such stories in one of the newspapers. Less than 10% of the articles contained the word condom.

RECOMMENDATIONS: while there is little doubt that HIV/AIDs has received a lot more publicity over the past years, this can hardly be described as positive. The reports seem to enforce stigmatization. There is an obvious need to educate the Nigerian press on their role and power in the dissemination of information and the effects their work can have on the lives of people.

020707
E11484

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