The Use of Dramatic Arts in HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaigns in Secondary Schools in Kaduna State

This study evaluates the effectiveness of dramatic arts as a communication strategy in HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns conducted in secondary schools in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. Given the persistent prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young people and the limitations of conventional health communication methods, drama offers an interactive and emotionally engaging medium for delivering health messages to adolescents. The research assesses how theatre-based health education activities, including role-play, storytelling, and forum theatre, have been implemented in selected secondary schools. A survey research design was adopted, with questionnaires administered to students and health educators in ten public secondary schools across Kaduna metropolis. Observational data were also gathered from live dramatic performances conducted by school health clubs. The study finds that students who participated in drama-based HIV awareness programmes demonstrated significantly higher levels of knowledge retention and attitudinal change compared to those exposed solely to lecture-based instruction. Barriers identified include inadequate funding for school theatre groups and insufficient teacher training in applied drama. The research concludes that integrating drama into school health programmes can substantially improve adolescent health literacy. Recommendations include teacher capacity building in health theatre and the establishment of drama-health units within school curricula. Keywords: dramatic arts, HIV/AIDS awareness, secondary schools, health education, Kaduna State.