Effectiveness of Persuasive Media on Risk Oriented Habits

Abstract

The study was conducted in Haryana and Rajasthan states covering a sample of 200 respondents (100 male and female each) from two villages and two slum areas of each state. Print (VCD) as well as electronic media (Booklet) was developed, standardized and exposed to the selected respondents on five risk oriented habits viz; use of tobacco; drinking alcohol; and  poor environmental, eating and personal habits. There was significant gain in knowledge about health hazards due to all the five risk oriented habits. The gain in knowledge about persuasive messages on consumption of tobacco was highest followed by use of alcohol, poor personal, environmental and eating habits. Direct impact of persuasive messages was perceived in term of ease in understanding and following which would help the respondents in dealing with the related problems immediately. Indirect impact of intervention programme was perceived in terms of changes in the habits in the coming time as it has improved consciousness, confidence and motivation to deal with the risk oriented habits.