Effects of a mass media intervention on HIV-related stigma: ‘Radio Diaries’ program in Malawi

HIV-related stigma has been recognised as a significant public health issue, yet gaps remain in development and evaluation of mass media interventions to reduce stigma. The Malawi ‘Radio Diaries’ (RD) programme features people with HIV telling stories about their everyday lives. This study evaluates the programme's effects on stigma and the additional effects of group discussion.

The authors note that thirty villages with ten participants each were randomised to listen to RD only, to the programme followed by group discussion or to a control programme. Post-intervention surveys assessed four stigma outcomes: fear of casual contact, shame, blame and judgment and willingness to disclose HIV status.

Key findings include:

• fear of casual contact was reduced by the intervention.
• shame was reduced by the radio programme, but only for those reporting prior exposure to the radio programme and for those who did not have a close friend or relative with HIV.
• shame was not reduced when the radio programme was followed by discussion.
• the intervention reduced blame for men and not women and for younger participants but not older participants.

The authors conclude that including people with HIV/AIDS in mass media interventions has potential to reduce stigma.