Singing together to Change Behavior
 

We developed a questionnaire, asking for demographical data and posing ten questions on three topics: HIV/Aids, reproductive health and domestic violence. We also interviewed  some of the respondents. 

 

We used a survey method to analyse the data statistically. We organised and arranged  our songs together with with  mimed movement to convey the health advice and information raised by the questions. The group we studied consisted of  50 people chosen randomly, from a  total of 100 people who participated  in the project. We carried out pre-  and post-  measurement.

 

We used the local dialect/language for the target population, who were people from Darfur. The study took place in a rural area, (Ombaddah). Our general objectives are to use music and songs to alter social  behaviour which is injurious to health.

 

Our specific objectives:

- to communicate through local songs, by means of mass media. The use of mass media is a well recognised channel for health education. It is attractive to our people.

- to modify problematic behaviour among   local populations using  music and songs, by raising awareness and drawing attention to important messages in these essential areas of health education..

- and thereby to  decrease  problematic social  behaviour under these three topics.

 

The findings:

- The pre- and post- measurement showed positive  responses in the local societies. 

- The three health messages were understood clearly, through  the medium of music, song and dance. Everyone in the audience was able to understand them,  and found them interesting to hear. Colourful  costumes and dress  increased the engagement of the audience .

- After the songs were shown, the response   was clearly apparent,  in spite of differences in sex, educational status, and the style of the music; which was adapted each time to the local culture. The singers and  dancers were from the same cultural area as that of the study; 

- Audio visual messages are motivating and very quick to communicate information; messages carried by music and song and dance communicate more quickly than other methods.