Analysis of Communication Approaches in the Fight against HIV/Aids in Higher Education Institutions - Essay Example

Collaborative Scholarly Journal and Literature Review on the Analysis of Approaches of Communication in the Fight against HIV/Aids in Higher Education Institutions Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Print Media 4 Broadcasting Media 4 New Media Internet 6 Group Communication 7 Social Events 7 Conclusion 8 Literature Review/ Annotated Bibliography 9 Work cited 16 Introduction Based on the accessible information, university anti- HIV/AIDS movements have been depending on printed media to accomplish their goals and objectives. Printed media that are used by university anti- HIV/AIDS movements are in most cases donated and financed by non-governmental organisation and government agencies. However, although the support has to some extent helped in the reduction of HIV/AIDS infections in higher learning institutions, there is need for inclusion of other communication media and channels. The inability to integrate other communication approaches such as social media services and broadcast services has not only undermined the movements’ activities but has as well reduced their ability of attaining their goals and objectives (HAPCO and Global HIV/AIDS 678). Lack of clear and realistic communication strategy is as well a major factor that had interfered with anti- HIV/AIDS movements’ ability to address HIV/AIDS predicament in higher learning institutions. Lack of the required commitment among university management, inadequate training as well as lack of the required support from students has also been associated with inefficiency of HIV/AIDS movements. Some scholars have on the other hand argued that, the incompetence of the existing anti- HIV/AIDS movement is as a result of the ignorance and lack of knowledge among university students and other involved players. Ignorance has as well been a major factor that has led to the increased cases of HIV/AIDS infections in higher learning institutions. Based on the available information and numerical statistics, it is clear that, effective communication have over years been downplayed in the movements’ leadership and management. Therefore, to holistically address the challenge of HIV/AIDS infections in higher learning institutions, there is need for the introduction of integrated and appropriate communication approach. The subsequent writing will therefore explore the significance and relevance of incorporating social media services, broadcast media as well as non-media outlets in the fight against HIV/AIDS in higher learning institutions. Current States of HIV/AIDS in Higher Learning Institutions As explained by (Reinard 67), an expert in HIV/AIDS training, higher learning institutions students is more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS pandemic. So far, the ever-increasing HIV/AIDS cases in modern higher learning institution have killed thousands of incredibly intelligent students. Although the prevalence level of HIV/AIDS is decreasing in some countries, the rate of new HIV/AIDS infections is increasing in some countries. Some scholars have argued that, the increase in the number of HIV/AIDS infections in less developed countries is due to high level of poverty as well as limited access to healthcare institutions. However, as indicated by (Reinard 73), the raise in HIV/AIDS prevalence level is as a result of lack of efficient and appropriate communication channels between the existing anti- HIV/AIDS and students’ body. In addition, the challenge of lack of communication flexibility can as well be associated with increasing cases of HIV/AIDS infections in higher learning institutions. As stated by MeKeel, et al (89), cases of HIV/AIDS in modern society is particularly higher among young and active people in the society. Recent studies have as well asserted that, young people who are in higher learning institutions are as well vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infections compared to young people who are in other social and professional institutions. In his observation(Wooley 11) asserts that, people who are at higher risks of being infected with HIV/AIDS are high school and university students, indigenous and youth people who reside in remote foreign tourist areas, daily labourers, migrants and mobile labourers, sex workers, displaced people and refugees as well as long-distance truck drivers. Compared to other section of the population in contemporary society, the identified group of people who are prone to HIV/AIDS are the most productive people in the society. This therefore means that, there is need for adoption of effective communication means that will allow the vulnerable section of the population to understand the most reliable means of protecting ne cases of HIV/AIDS infections. In addition, university students are the most reliable people in training the public on some of the most effective means of preventing HIV/AIDS infection among the active section of the population. Print Media As stated by (Thomas 367) a senior communication researcher and scholar, printed media has so far played a very essential role in reducing HIV/AIDS infections in higher learning institutions. The available printed media has identified some of the main cause that results to increased cases of HIV/AIDS in higher learning institutions. As described by a considerable number of printed media, some of the core factors that have resulted to increases in HIV/AIDS prevalence in higher learning institutions include sexual harassment, failure to utilise the accessible prevention measures, multiple sexual partners, and excessive consumption of alcohol, peer pressure, and economic challenges. Print media have identified various effective HIV/AIDS prevention measures including being faithful, abstinence, and use of condoms. Therefore, printed media have been very critical in ensuring that, new cases of HIV/AIDS infections in higher learning institutions are reduced significantly. Despite demonstrating a considerable level of efficiency in creating awareness, some scholars have criticised printed media. Printed media is criticised for lack of clarity, the manner in which the printed materials are distributed among students, and the inadequacy of printed materials. Accordingly, to holistically deal with the HIV/AIDS challenges in higher learning institutions, printed media ought to be rectified to meets students’ interests and needs. The adoption of communication approach that will meet students’ needs will help in the reduction of the existing communication gap among university students and anti-HIV/AIDS movements. Broadcasting Media In his study (Madise 37) has claimed that, broadcast media has the potential of reviving the fight on HIV/AIDS infections in higher leaning institutions. Despite attracting huge audiences, broadcast media will increases the level of awareness among university students. However, based on the accessible research findings, a good number of university anti- HIV/AIDS do not use broadcast media in the campaigns. Conventional and modern researchers claim that, broadcast media is exceptionally essential in enhancing community behavioural change as well as in facilitating community advocacy and mobilisation. So far, there are inadequate programs that are aired in broadcast media on HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives in higher learning institutions. Some scholars have on the other had claimed that, the campaign against HIV/AIDS in higher learning institutions have been successful even without effective utilisation of broadcast media. According to those who oppose utilisation of broadcast media in the fight against HIV/AIDS in higher learning institution, the employment of broadcast media may be an expensive and time consuming process. Those who criticises the employment of broadcast media further asserts that, printed media and other conventional communication channels currently played a very essential role in the fight against HIV/AIDS in higher learning institution. However, despite the recommendable achievements of conventional communication approaches in the fight against HIV/AIDS, mini-media have a potential role in raising awareness on health issues that are linked to HIV/AIDS infections. In spite of assisting in the war against HIV/AIDS infection in higher learning institutions, mini-media will as well be vital in informing community members on reproductive health challenges that are associated with HIV/AIDS infections. Using Audio-Video Device Although some scholars are against the use of audio-video device in the fight on HIV/AIDS in higher learning institutions (Thorens 12) has confirmed that, audio-video devices can be extremely effective in transmitting information essential in enhancing behavioural changes. However, despite its potential significant, university anti- HIV/AIDS movement have over years overlooked its role in the fight against HIV/AIDS infection among university students. Instead of using audio-video devices that can necessitate behavioural changes, university students watch movies that motivate their sexual activities. Therefore, although audio-video devices are relatively expensive, university managements ought to come up with supportive initiative that will help university organisation that deals with HIV/AIDS infections to purchase and utilise audio-video devices. New Media Internet In their research, conventional scholars have been criticising modern internet media for advancing sexual activities. New media internet has been used by university students to learn practices that can advance sexual activities. In addition, conventional scholars have further claimed that, modern media internet is used to search for new sexual partners thus increasing cases of HIV/AIDS infections. However, as described by Roussier (9), the internet has to a great extent changed communication and interaction practices among organisations and individuals. The emergence of internet has as well led to the introduction of numerous social networks. Consequently, by opening web sites university HIV/AIDS movements could offers the information that is required to reduce the HIV infection. In addition, by opening web site, university students could as well open forums for free discussion and interactions on sexual practices and behaviours. Through introduction of web site, university movements on HIV/AIDS preventions could as well download dramas and video clips that are aimed at enhancing behavioural change. The introduction of social networks could as well play a very essential role in reducing HIV/AIDS infection among university students. Twitter, Facebook and other social networks can be very essential in transmitting information for necessitating behavioural change. Despite receiving criticism from various scholars, the adoption of social media could significantly help in reducing cases of HIV/AIDS infections among university students Group Communication As stated by Winett, Moore, Hook and Neubauer (569), group communication can as well be an effective strategy in addressing social challenges among community members. Group communication takes place in three distinctive levels, executive committee level, ambassadors and membership level. In most instances, group communication networks are used to disseminate condoms, brochures, pamphlets, and booklets. The identified group offers opportunities for discussions on health challenges that are associated with HIV/AIDS infections. However, group communication has been criticised by various scholars for varying reasons. Group communication accesses very limited number of university students thus underrating its efficiency in holistically addressing HIV/AIDS challenges. To holistically address HIV/AIDS challenges in higher learning institutions, anti- HIV/AIDS movements ought to expand its network to access a considerable number of students. Social Events According to Wolitski, and Corby (293), a university lecturer, social events are very essential in raising public awareness on health, cultural, and social issues. Moreover, to attract public attention, social media should be accompanied by various types of entertainment and refreshments. This edutainment approach has over years been very effective in advancing public awareness. Scholars have as well asserted that, social events are good tools for enhancing behavioural and social changes in the society. Therefore, since HIV/AIDS infection is a social challenge, the adoption of edutainment approach is very relevant. Effective utilisation of edutainment will as well attract large number of students thus enhancing the transmission of HIV/AIDS information to huge number of students. Moreover, frequent organisation as well as adoption of effective timing strategy can significantly advance the effectiveness of social events in dealing with HIV/AIDS infections. Conclusion HIV/AIDS infection among young people and especially higher education students have in the recent decades turned out to be an issue of concern among scholars from various professional backgrounds. Due to lack of adequate information as well as adoption of ineffective prevention and communication strategy, the rate of HIV/AIDS infection at public and private university is at an alarming rate. The ever-increasing cases of HIV/AIDS infections among young people have therefore threatened future social, political, and economic development. Scholars have on the other hand linked the increases cases of HIV/AIDS infections in higher learning institutions to various factors. Although some scholars have opposed the fact that, lack of effective communication is the major factor for increased cases of HIV/AIDS infections, researchers have asserted that, inadequate information have significantly increased HIV/AIDS infections. Modern anti- HIV/AIDS movements have instituted various strategies that are intended at reducing this social phenomenon. However, despite instituting various intervention measures, cases of HIV/AIDS infections is still high. Therefore, to effective and holistically deal with HIV/AIDS challenges, anti-movements in higher learning institutions ought to adopt modern communication approaches in educating students on the causes of increased HIV/AIDS infections, side effects as well as the most effective HIV/AIDS prevention measures. Literature Review/ Annotated Bibliography Wooley, Samuel. Research to classroom: selecting and disseminating education programs that reduce HIV risk behaviours among adolescents. XI Int. Conf. AIDS. 1.11 (1996), 402, Vancouver. July, 7-12. Summary: The essay has explored the Diseases Control Research Report. The writing has therefore offer effective criteria for examining the effectiveness of the existing HIV/AIDS prevention programs in higher learning institutions. The writing has as well offered analysis of some of the communication channels that is used in the identified programs Evaluation: The article is reasoned, interesting, and insightful. The essay as well explores the real live activities and issues in contemporary learning institutions. It explores communication methods that is used in transmitting HIV/AIDS prevention information to higher learning institutions Quotation: “This information has been especially useful to educators and policy makers who are responsible for identifying and implementing curricula that will effectively meet the HIV-prevention needs of youth in their communities (Wooley16) Wolitski, Ensley, and Corby Fishbein. Sources of AIDS information among low-risk and at-risk populations in five U. S. cities. AIDS Community Demonstration Projects. Journal of Community Health. Vol.21, no. 4, (2007):293-31 Summary: The authors explore the HIV/AIDS infections measures in various higher learning institutions. In the study, the researchers examine information on 1239 students from various universities in America. As described in the article, adoption of effective communication approach is essential in dealing with HIV/AIDS predicaments Evaluation: Scholars who have written this article are professionals from various professional backgrounds. Moreover, the article contents are based on empirical evidence. The authors as well concluded the article by offering some of the most effective communication approaches in HIV/AIDS prevention Quotations: “Lack of clear communication strategy has hampered the movements work. The movements have been working without clear strategic plan that could not enable them to use appropriate and integrated communication approaches and this resulted in failure to achieve the intended behaviour change” (Wolitski and Corby 293). Winett, Anderson, Moore Taylor, Hook Webster and Neubauer Harden. Efficacy of a home-based human immune-deficiency virus prevention video program for teens and parents. Health Education Quarterly, 20. 4. (2009), 555-567 Summary: The essay explores the efficacy of home-based HIV/AIDS prevention video programs. The program is designed at fostering teenager parent knowledge and interaction initiations that are aimed at the identification of effective HIV/AIDS prevention measures. The essay has as well clarified some of the advantages of effective communication approaches Evaluation: Although the article is short, it is insightful and interesting. The article has a well offered detailed numerical information in the analysis of the relationship between HIV/AIDS infection and communication. The essay has as well concluded by offering comprehensive information on the significant of effective communication approach Quotation: “Lack of commitment on the part of the top level managers of the university has contributed a lot for the unsuccessful practices of HIV/AIDS movements. Because of this problem HIV/AIDS mainstreaming has not been put into practice in the university even if the government of America has developed a policy of allocating a 2% budget for HIV/AIDS mainstreaming” (Winett, Moore, Hook and Neubauer 555). Roussier, Taylor. The condom: study of different types of messages in traditional symbols. [French] V Int. Conf. AIDS. 5(2009)779, Montreal. June 4-9. Summary: The paper offers a critical emergence and development of the Association of Nurses in AIDS care. The papers present the significant and critical role of Association of Nurses in AIDS care. Effective communication approaches are also be explored in the paper Evaluation: The article is belief and insightful. In addition, the paper is compiled by competent professionals from various professional backgrounds. The information that is contained in the article is reliable as it is based on real life situations Quotation: “A family-centred, home-based, video programme, designed to foster parent–teen knowledge and communication regarding issues related to HIV prevention and to increase family and teen communication skills was used in an intensive field test of programme efficacy”( Roussier 9) Thorens, Thomas. EuroCASO/positive action: Twinning a process of structured skill exchange. XI Int. Conf. AIDS, 11 (2012):410, Vancouver. July 7-12 Summary: The essay explores the role of EuroCASO in the formulation of communication approaches in HIV/AIDS intervention measures. The paper also examines the significant of essential network in dealing with social issues. The article summaries by providing recommendations for further investigations on the significant of communication approaches in HIV/AIDS intervention measures Evaluation: The essay is written by competent personnel. The article is also compiled after intensive investigation and analysis. The essay has offered recommendation for further investigations and researches Quotation: “Lack of coordination among the movements, GOs and NGOs has added problem to the challenges of the movements. Since GOs and NGOs do not have common approaches to address HIV/AIDS and other reproductive health issues, there exists a gap in the works of the movements and thus, the practices of these stakeholders have not brought about the intended out comes or the desired behavioural change” (Thorens 20) Madise, John. A Communication Brief for an HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health inter-educative Program for the Youth in America. Retrieved May 15th. From (2010).http://marshalmadise.blogspot.com/2010/11 Summary: The article investigates some of the main communication barriers in HIV/AIDS initiatives. As described in the article, lack of effective communication approaches has been a major hindrance in the success of contemporary HIV/AIDS intervention measures. In addition, the essay explores financial challenges in various HIV/AIDS intervention measures. Evaluation: The writing is based in recent development in higher learning institutions. Moreover, the article has quoted the work from numerous scholars Quotation: “One of the problems the movements are facing is the movements do not have clear communication strategies. Lack of clear communication strategy in turn leaves the movements to fail in their efforts to achieve their goals and objectives” (Madise 89) Thomas Rico. Health communication. Springer Science and Business Media, Inc (2012): New York. Retrieved on 15th May 2013. From: www.worldbank/aid Summary: The essay examines the impacts of lack of effective communication channel in HIV/AIDS intervention measures. The article has as well examined some of the side effects of lack of effective strategic plans in higher learning institutions. Clear policy of incorporating higher management in HIV/AIDS intervention measures is also provided in the essay Evaluation: The article is interesting and insightful. Moreover, the article has relied on intensive research findings Quotation: “Lack of clear communication strategy has hampered the movements work. The movements have been working without clear strategic plan that could not enable them to use appropriate and integrated communication approaches and this resulted in failure to achieve the intended behaviour change”( Thomas 7) MeKee, et al. Strategic Communication in the HIV/AIDS Epidemic. London: Sage Publications, 2004. Print. Summary: The book examines the importance of informing students on the important of using condoms. It is also through reading this book that we understand the importance of educating students on the side effects of insufficient information Evaluation: The researchers examined a huge number of university students. The book has as well used various research and analysis tools and methods. In addition the article has offered intensive recommendation for further studies Quotation: “The movements are seen to use different mechanisms to distribute the condoms among which promotion is one. Although some of the condom promotion aspects (using male sexual organ sample) seemed to cause cultural shock, the movements couldn’t do or get any other options in order to show and promote condom use among students”(MeKee etal37) Reinard, John. Introduction to Communication Research. Madison: Brown and Benchmark. 2012 Summary: The book examines the importance of using audio-video devices. The audio-video devices help in the transfer of information that will enhance behavioural change. Moreover, the book describes the manner in which modern technology is overlooked in higher learning institutions Evaluation: The researchers used modern technological development in his research. In addition, the article has offered intensive explanation on the role of modern technology in addressing social challenges Quotation: “A lot could be done using audio-video devices to transfer messages that can help bring behaviour change among the university community in general and among the students in particular”( Reinard 17) HAPCO and Global HIV/AIDS. Monitoring and Evaluation Team (GAMET). HIV /Aids in Ethiopia-An epidemiological synthesis. Washington, DC: The Global HIV/AIDS Program, the World Bank. 2008 Summary: As described in the article, printed media has played a very essential role in dealing with HIV/AIDS infections. Secondly, the study has offered examples of essential and popular printed media. It is also through this article that student understand the level in which printed media is used in contemporary society Evaluation: Although the article is short, it is insightful and interesting. The article has well offered detailed numerical information in analysing the relationship between HIV/AIDS infection and communication. The essay has as well concluded by offering comprehensive information on the significant of effective communication approach Quotation: “The main concern of the booklet is promoting self assessment to know the self status of the students pertaining to their sexual behaviours. It digs out factors that could expose students to HIV/AIDS and the counteractions or mechanisms that help students protect themselves from it” (HAPCO and Global HIV/AIDS 92) Work cited HAPCO and Global HIV/AIDS. Monitoring and Evaluation Team (GAMET). HIV /Aids in Ethiopia-An epidemiological synthesis. Washington, DC: The Global HIV/AIDS Program, the World Bank. 2008 Madise, John. A Communication Brief for an HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health inter- educative Program for the Youth in America. Retrieved May 15th. From (2010).http://marshalmadise.blogspot.com/2010/11 MeKeel et al. Strategic Communication in the HIV/AIDS Epidemic. London: Sage Publications. 2004 Reinard, John. Introduction to Communication Research. Madison: Brown and Benchmark. 2012 Roussier, Taylor. The condom: study of different types of messages in traditional symbols. [French] V Int. Conf. AIDS. 5(2009)779, Montreal. June 4-9. Thomas Rico. Health communication. Springer Science and Business Media, Inc (2012): New York. Retrieved on 15th May 2013. From: www.worldbank/aid Thorens, Thomas. EuroCASO/positive action: Twinning a process of structured skill exchange. XI Int. Conf. AIDS.vol.11no. (2012):410, Vancouver. July 7-12 Winett, Anderson, Moore Taylor, Hook Webster and Neubauer Harden. Efficacy of a home- based human immuno-deficiency virus prevention video program for teens and parents. Health Education Quarterly. 20. 4 (2009):555-567 Wolitski, Ensley, and Corby Fishbein. Sources of AIDS information among low-risk and at- risk populations in five U. S. cities. AIDS Community Demonstration Projects. Journal of Community Health. 21. 4 (2007):293-31 Wooley, Samuel. Research to classroom: selecting and disseminating education programs that reduce HIV risk behaviours among adolescents. XI Int. Conf. AIDS. 11. 1(1996): 402, Vancouver. July, 7-12. Read More