Inhibitions and Implications Associated With Celebrity Participation in Health-Related Social Marketing: An Exploratory Research Focused on HIV Prevention in Portugal

Abstract

This article discusses motivations and inhibitions among celebrities to participate in health-related social marketing. The research identifies the implications that this involvement may have upon their lives. Results from in-depth interviews with 27 Portuguese celebrities show that they expect a fee for endorsements of commercial and government social marketing, despite the positive image they may gain from endorsing public health. The results demonstrate an absence of celebrity prejudice against HIV because of its serious nature and the social stigma attached to AIDS. This research suggests there is a positive bias and presents helpful information for negotiations between institutions and celebrities.

KEYWORDS:

• health marketing
• celebrity endorsement
• HIV prevention
• social marketing

Acknowledgments

The second author thanks Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT Portugal) for financial support to ADVANCE by the Multi-Year Funding Program for R&D Units.