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Research on Media Portrayal of HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review

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Listed:
  • Rui Li

    (Language Academy, Universiti Technologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia School of Foreign Languages for International Business, Hebei Finance University, Baoding, China)

  • Noor Aireen Ibrahim

    (Language Academy, Universiti Technologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia)

  • Yasmin Hanafi Zaid

    (Language Academy, Universiti Technologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia)

Abstract

Eradicating AIDS by 2030 has become an urgent global mission. Media portrayal of HIV/AIDS play a critical role in shaping public understanding and influencing efforts to combat the disease. While various studies have delved into how different media outlets represent HIV/AIDS, a comprehensive review of media discourse on HIV/AIDS remains absent. This study reviews analyses of HIV portrayal in newspapers from 2002 to 2023 to systematically examine the HIV-related issues discussed, potential chronological research trends, the theories and methods employed, and the practical implications for media professionals and other HIV stakeholders. Data were gathered from three major databases—Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct—with 31 studies selected from 4,977 research articles for in-depth review. The findings indicate that the research domain is predominantly restricted to the analysis of media discourse alone, with an evolving emphasis on HIV-related issues over time. Framing theory emerge as the dominant theoretical perspective, while inductive approach is the preferred research method. The reviewed studies consistently underscore the need for de-stigmatizing HIV in media reporting and guide stakeholders involved in designing effective HIV interventions. Future research should extend beyond media discourse to explore the narratives of key stakeholders, including global and national leading HIV organizations, to assess media alignment with official efforts thereby contribute to the fulfillment of the global aim of ending AIDS.

Suggested Citation

  • Rui Li & Noor Aireen Ibrahim & Yasmin Hanafi Zaid, 2025. "Research on Media Portrayal of HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3), pages 619-631, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-3:p:619-631
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brent, Robert J., 2016. "The value of reducing HIV stigma," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 233-240.
    2. Katharine J. Mach & Raúl Salas Reyes & Brian Pentz & Jennifer Taylor & Clarissa A. Costa & Sandip G. Cruz & Kerronia E. Thomas & James C. Arnott & Rosalind Donald & Kripa Jagannathan & Christine J. Ki, 2021. "News media coverage of COVID-19 public health and policy information," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
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