Role of Community Theatre in Promoting Health Communication in Rural Benue State

Community theatre, as a participatory communication strategy, has demonstrated potential for delivering health messages in contexts where formal media infrastructure is limited and cultural performance traditions are strong. This study examined the role of community theatre in health communication in rural communities in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive qualitative design was adopted, combining participant observation at eight community theatre health performances across Gboko, Vandeikya, and Gwer LGAs with focus group discussions involving 72 community members who had attended performances. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicated that community theatre performances on malaria prevention, antenatal care, and HIV/AIDS generated significantly higher audience engagement than equivalent radio health messages in the same communities, according to 81.9 percent of focus group participants. The use of Tiv language and culturally familiar performance formats was identified as the primary engagement driver. Behaviour change outcomes including increased bed net use and antenatal clinic attendance were reported by 54.2 percent of women participants following malaria-themed performances. Retention of key health messages was demonstrated in recall exercises conducted two weeks after performances. Barriers to wider use included lack of funding for professional performance troupes and limited coordination with state health authorities. The study recommends formalising community theatre as a component of Benue State's primary health communication strategy, with sustained funding from the State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Keywords: community theatre, health communication, rural Benue State, participatory communication, North Central Nigeria