A systematic review of the effectiveness of ‘live’ participatory drama in changing HIV/AIDS related behaviours in developing countries

Abstract

Although a huge sums of money and resources have been utilised in the fight against HIV/AIDS worldwide, the pandemic continues to pose a serious threat to the global population. The case is especially severe in developing countries that report a disproportionate burden of HIV incidence and prevalence. In recent years, Entertainment- Education (EE) strategies (the strategic placement of educational content within entertainment messages such as theatre or drama) have been used to promote HIV/AIDS prevention in many countries, including India, Philippines, Tanzania, Nepal, and Peru. This review is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of HIV / AIDS themed 'live' participatory theatre (EE) in changing HIV - related behaviours in the developing world. Electronic databases were searched; reference lists were checked; experts and organisations, government bodies and charities were also contacted in a quest to locate relevant research. Inclusion in the study was limited to randomised controlled designs, which satisfied all of the following criteria: (1) present a form of theatre in which the audience interact with the actors through dialogue or debate during the performance; (2) present an intervention where the beneficiaries are in 'control' of the construction and acting out of the play, and (3) present on HIV intervention which is face- toface, rather than 'broadcast' (i.e. radio, TV, internet). Both published and unpublished studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies had to present data from a developing country, and study participants had to be 13 years or older. In summary, studies are urgently needed to evaluate the effectiveness of 'live', participatory drama in changing HIV-related behaviour(s).