Radio promotion of family planning in the Gambia
Valente, T.W.; Young, M.K.; Lettermaier, C.; Glass, W.; Dibba, Y.
International Family Planning Perspectives 20(3): 96-100
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0190-3187 DOI: 10.2307/2133511Document Number: 294134
This paper evaluates a communication campaign (a radio drama about family planning issues) designed to increase contraceptive prevalence in the Gambia. Those who heard the serial drama could name significantly more contraceptive methods than those who had not and they had significantly more positive attitudes about family planning. Those who heard the programme were also more likely to use a modern method than those who did not. The effect was greatest among uneducated individuals. Programme exposure was associated with an increase in knowledge, an increase in positive attitudes and an increase in contraceptive users. Most of those surveyed who heard the radio programme 'Fakube Jarra', said that it motivated them to go to the family planning clinic. The radio is an efficient means of reaching large numbers of people. The choice of diffusion channels is an important decision facing programme planners. This radio programme was targeted to rural women. The programmes's ability to reach uneducated respondents constitutes an empowering influence on women because other forms of education rarely reach these women directly.