EFFECTIVENESS OF RADIO MESSAGES IN PROMOTING MALARIA PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of radio messages in promoting malaria preventive measures in Ondo State. This study adopts a mixed-method research comprising focus group discussions (FGDs) and a survey. Adopting multistage sampling techniques, participants were selected from three local government areas: Akoko North-East, Owo, and Akure South. The sample consisted of 836 respondents for the survey and 24 participants for the FGDs. The study found that participants were exposed to malaria prevention messages through radio broadcasts. Further findings indicate that radio messages promoting malaria preventive measures increased awareness of malaria risks, preventive measures, and treatment. Similarly, the study found that radio messages about malaria prevention favoured participants' adoption of malaria prevention practices. Based on the findings, the study recommended that radio stations undertake malaria prevention campaigns regularly, adopting various programme formats such as discussion shows, jingles, and dramas, to increase message retention and effectiveness.