The efficacy of traditional storytelling as a Health Education Intervention strategy in HIV stigma reduction in Nigerian rural communities: A randomized controlled trial

HIV stigma in Nigeria poses a critical challenge to addressing the epidemic by undermining prevention and care efforts. This study evaluated the efficacy of traditional storytelling as a Health Education Intervention strategy (TSHEIS) in reducing HIV-related stigma among rural-dwelling adults in Enugu State, Nigeria. Employing a pre-test and post-test randomized control trial design, the study included 102 participants who met the specified criteria. The treatment group participated in a 5-week TSHEIS programme, while the waitlist group served as the control. Stigma levels were assessed using the HIV-Related Stigma Scale (HRSS) at three-time points: before treatment, immediately after, and at a 3-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that the intervention had a significant impact in reducing HIV stigma at the posttest measure (F(1,80) = 267.432, P = .000, η2p = .912, ΔR2= .964, 95% CI [0.549, 0.689]). This gain was sustained at the follow-up measures (F(1,80) = 267.432, P = .000, η2p = .812, ΔR2 = .934, 95% CI [0.459, 0.679]). The effect sizes, as indicated by partial eta squared (η2p) and adjusted R2 values (ΔR2), were significant, underscoring the meaningful impact of the intervention. Mauchly's test (Mauchly W=0.952, P-value=.321) confirmed the sphericity of the data, further supporting the validity of the findings. Lastly, post-hoc comparisons using Turkey’s HSD test demonstrated that the stigma reduction achieved through TSHEIS endured over time, highlighting its lasting effect. These findings support the use of TSHEIS in addressing HIV-related stigma in Nigerian communities. © 2024 University of Nigeria, Institute of African Studies. All rights reserved.