Evaluation of the Television Drama Series, Intersexions: Episodes 1–26

This 7-page executive summary shares the findings of a qualitative evaluation of the first series of Intersexions, a 26-part South African entertainment-education television drama series to communicate health- and HIV-related messages, with a focus on sexual networks. This report presents qualitative research findings about audience responses to the first 26 episodes and discusses how viewers engaged with and responded to the drama series, which was produced by Curious Pictures, Antz Media, and Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa. Based on focus groups and interviews, it was found that "the compelling drama, identifiable and realistic storylines, and the focal content of the drama series - the sexual network - attracted and intrigued viewers."

The series set out to portray the lives of ordinary South Africans and demonstrate different contexts that put people at risk of HIV infection, emphasising sexual networks and multiple concurrent partnerships. "Using well-researched case studies and numerous dramatic devices, the series intended to show how the moment people become sexually active they become part of a sexual network of people who are connected even though they may never have met." The interrelated episodes mapped out a sexual network, and the series closed with a one-hour 'docudrama' that explicitly revealed the sexual network and the virus's movement between characters.

In terms of storylines and characters, research participants expressed that these were real and relevant, while also in some cases pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes. Analysis was conducted to assess how viewers interacted with the drama, moving from awareness, to reflection, to action, as well as how the drama affected people's attitudes. For example, participants reported "shifts in previously held discriminatory or prejudiced attitudes towards particular issues or people (such as men who have sex with men and sex workers)". The evaluation also considered the use of social media and how it was used to spark informal conversations about the series, the issues it raised, and the effect it had on people.

In terms of behaviour changes, the research found that watching Intersexions had led to "having been tested for HIV, a reported increase in consistent condom use, increased communication between intimate partners, choosing not to have sex while under the influence of alcohol, and reducing their number of concurrent sexual partners."

The evaluation summary discusses some of the success factors for the drama, such as the appeal of mixed languages, cultures, and urban and rural settings, as well as high-quality acting and production. However, the key factor associated with impact was found to be the final one hour docu-drama in which Mr. V (the virus) narrates an hour-long episode combining elements of a dramatic thriller with educational content. Not only was the approach found to be unique and fresh, but "narration was said to impact on their sensibilities, leaving participants shocked, surprised and afraid when they found out who the storyteller actually was. This episode evidently became a talking point for days and months that followed, in social networking spaces and interpersonal conversations." The evaluation attributes this episode to deepening the internalisation of the messages and to some of the self-protective and health enhancing actions.

To request the full evaluation, please contact CADRE at the contact details below.