Film : a supplementary aid in teaching adults about HIV/AIDS in Igueben (Nigeria)

Abstract

This study explored film as a supplementary aid in teaching adults about HIV/AIDS in the Igueben area of Edo State (Nigeria). It drew on the theory and practice of film to enhance the awareness of HIV/AIDS campaign strategies in ways that are not possible with other teaching aids. The findings of the study supported the literature, which indicates that unlike film,reading materials are not accessible to illiterate adults in rural communities. Two hundred (200) participants were used in the first approach (quantitative), while fifteen (15) illiterate adults were purposively selected from the area to participate in the second approach (qualitative). The research was undertaken within an interpretivist framwork in the sense that it was a communal process informed by participating illiterate adults, and was sensitive to the role of context (Alvermann, D.E., & Mallozzi, C.A. 2010). The study confirmed the role of film, particularly Nigerian movies, in promoting information and education on HIV/AIDS. The findings highlighted the need for on-going education about HIV/AIDS and its treatment, especially among the rural illiterate. The study, in summary established that the programmes offered by HIV/AIDS organisers (governmental and nongovernmental) would be more effective if film is included in the campaign against the disease.