Hausa Language in Health Education: Developing Plain Language Materials for HIV/AIDS Communication in Jigawa State

Health education materials in Hausa face the dual challenge of accurately conveying biomedical concepts while using language accessible to audiences with varied educational backgrounds, particularly in states like Jigawa where health literacy levels and formal education rates present significant communication challenges. This study develops and evaluates plain language Hausa materials for HIV/AIDS communication in Jigawa State, applying established health communication principles to the Hausa linguistic and cultural context. A professional applied linguistics design was employed, using a three-phase approach: first, assessing current HIV/AIDS Hausa communication materials in Jigawa through expert review and community comprehension testing with 120 adults; second, developing revised plain language versions through a collaborative process involving Hausa linguists, health communication specialists, and community representatives; and third, field-testing revised materials with a comparable community sample. Expert review criteria evaluated medical accuracy, linguistic accessibility, cultural appropriateness, and visual design coherence. Findings in phase one reveal widespread comprehension failures in current materials due to direct translation of medical terminology without functional equivalents, culturally inappropriate imagery, and text-heavy design unsuitable for audiences with limited reading proficiency. Revised plain language materials achieve significantly higher comprehension scores and better audience engagement in field testing. Recommendations include adoption of the plain language communication development process as standard practice for Hausa health education materials in Jigawa State and capacity building for health communication staff in plain language writing and community testing methodology. Keywords: Hausa plain language, Health communication, HIV/AIDS, Jigawa State, Community health.