Evaluating the Youth-Focused Tisankhenji Radio Program in Malawi: Effects on Career Aspirations, Self-Efficacy, and Determinants of HIV Prevention Behaviors

Objectives. The Tisankhenji (“The Choice is Mine”) Radio Program (TRP) is broadcast weekly in Malawi, targeting girls 11-14 years, to promote long-term goal setting, enhance career aspirations, and encourage open discussions about AIDS prevention. This research evaluated the effects of the TRP.

Methods. A quasi-experimental design was adopted by surveying students (grades 6 through 8) in 24 schools, 12 each in treatment (n=709) and contrast (n=696). Treatment schools actively encouraged listening to the TRP as it was broadcast on the radio, and teachers conducted discussion groups in schools. Exposure to the TRP in contrast schools occurred mostly outside the class, without the school's participation. Surveys were conducted in classrooms two years into the program. Analysis of covariance models were run to determine the impact of the TRP, after controlling for effects of gender, income, and grade level.

Results. Questions asked about perceived control to achieve education goals; self-efficacy to talk with parents and elders about daily life events, career goals, social relationships, and HIV prevention; and discussions with parents and elders about daily life events and career plans. For each outcome, students in treatment, compared to contrast, schools had more positive scores, F-scores ranging from F(1,1393) = 5.49, P<.02 to F(1,1393) = 20.59, P<.001, signifying strong intervention effects. Within treatment and contrast conditions, no gender-differences emerged.

Conclusion. The goal of the TRP were largely met. No significant differences were seen between boys and girls, signifying that the program, though targeted at girls, also had effects on boys.