Communication has assumed the status of a social vaccine. If applied efficiently, it can be seen as a fundamental clinical skill capable of establishing trust between health professionals and patients. Evaluation of Communication Strategies on HIV/AIDS between Health Professionals and Residents of Oke-Ogun Area of Oyo State, Nigeria, examined dynamics of health communication in Oke-Ogun, especially between health professionals and natives of the study area. The study was anchored on the assumptions of Source Credibility theory; data were qualitatively and quantitatively collected through a survey and in-depth interviews. Findings showed that face-to-face communication was rated as the best method preferred by the residents. At the same time, radio was considered the most preferred communication channel to spread anti-HIV/AIDS messages. However, interpersonal communication was considered central to reducing the further spread of HIV/AIDS in Oke-Ogun. It was further discovered that language differences, the presence of mining sites and uncared attitudes toward checking HIV status among residents were key causes of the rise in the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state.
Vol. 1, No 1, pp. 88-98.