An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Radio Theatre in Promoting Good Healthy Living among Rural Communities in Osun State

This six-page report, published in the Research Journal of Social Sciences, looks at the results of a study to assess the effectiveness of the "Abule Oloke Meje" radio theatre programme in promoting healthy living among rural communities in Osun State, Nigeria. The study adopted the pre-test, post-test control group research design. The objectives of the study were to: find out the perception of rural communities about the radio theatre programme; investigate the extent to which the programme achieved its objectives; and examine whether or not radio drama is an effective method of promoting healthy living among rural communities. According to the study, 76% of respondents rated the programme as an effective method for promoting healthy living. 78% felt that the series changed their disposition toward healthy living, and 89% said the drama increased their knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS.

The 30-minute drama "Abule Oloke Meje" is broadcast in Yoruba and Pidgin English and is designed to educate the public about the need to live a healthy life and curb the spread of STIs and HIV/AIDS. According to the report, 75% of respondents said they learned a lot more from this series than from any other programme. Respondents felt the programme was motivating, encouraged active participation, and was highly interactive. Many also stated that the coverage, language, and vocabulary used were adequate and easy to understand. The author posits that these responses were due to the perception that the drama is motivating, easy to comprehend, and highly interactive. Also, it uses local examples within local environments.

The author concludes that radio drama is an effective instrument for promoting healthy living, as the "Abule Oloke Meje" drama produced a significant improvement in the disposition and behaviour of the people. Furthermore, the use of drama combined with instruction in the local language improved participation and interest from listeners.

The document includes a number of recommendations based on the major findings:

• The use of radio drama for teaching and promoting health in schools and communities should be encouraged.
• In designing and producing the package, local examples, local language, and simple English should be used.
• The package should be motivating, user friendly, and highly interactive.
• Specialists in the area of drama for development should be employed or called upon to design these types of programmes.