Using the IDEA model to analyze messages used in Hepatitis B vaccination in Uganda

This research analyzed the messages that both the Government of Uganda and the National organization of persons living with Hepatitis B use to communicate to at-risk populations in order to enable them take up the vaccination against Hepatitis B. Content analysis was carried out on two electronic fliers circulated from the ministry of health’s program in charge of Hepatitis control and treatment, and one hard copy flier from the National organization of persons living with Hepatitis B. The study assessed how the publications made use of the IDEA concepts of internalization, distribution, explanation and action in getting the audience to take up the vaccination against Hepatitis B. The findings are relevant to information, education and communication message initiators in the health sector, as they underline the importance of clear messages, distributed in various channels and available in many languages.