Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree
Spring 2009
Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Degree In
Journalism
First Advisor
Julie Andsager
First Committee Member
Venise Berry
Second Committee Member
Michelle Campo
Abstract
African American women's HIV incidence rates are disproportionately higher than other population groups in the United States. Social cognitive theory concepts were used to perform a quantitative content analysis of the magazines Essence, Ebony, and Jet, which are sources of health information and vicarious learning, to evaluate the quality of the HIV/AIDS prevention messages for 2000 to 2006. The data reveal some positive reflection of health messages, but many articles focus more on dramatic risk factors and less on providing useful information and proposed behaviors for African American women. Environmental risks and gender-specific risks are not emphasized. The public health community should use the media messages that are already present to build a media advocacy campaign that provides more comprehensive information and bring about social change.
Keywords
African American women, HIV/AIDS, Magazine, Social Cognitive Theory
Pages
vi, 70 pages
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 56-62).
Copyright
Copyright 2009 Ashley Shiels Peterson