AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBIC PERCEPTION OF HEALTH-RELATED RADIO PROGRAMMES IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to analyze audience perception of health-related radio programmes using Nsukka as case study. Specifically, the study channeled to examine the level of residents exposure to health radio programmes, examine public perception on the benefits of radio health programmes, examine public perception on the factors affecting the effectiveness of radio broadcasting on public health issues, and analyze public opinion on possible ways to improve the effectiveness of radio health programmes. The study was anchored by individual differences theory, and agenda setting theory. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. Questionnaire was used for data collection which was raised against a four Likert scale of Strongly Agree(SA), Agree(A), Strongly Disagree(SD) and Disagree(D) while the data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The hypothesis test was conducted using the Chi-square statistical tool, (SPSS v.23). A total of 39 respondents were conveniently selected as sample size comprising of Nsukka residents and radio users. Out of the 113 respondents, 95 responses were received and 85 validated from the survey. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that the extent to which Nsukka residents are exposed to health radio programmes is not low, and radio is very effective in broadcasting public health issues which is beneficial to Nsukka residents. The study therefore recommends that key government officials needs to evolve a viable communication framework that would ensure a practical implementation of rural broadcasting in the country. To mention but a few.