THE INFLUENCE OF COMMUNITY RADIO IN DISSEMINATING HEALTH INFORMATION AND PROMOTING BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE IN SOME SELECTED RURAL AREAS IN ENUGU STATE

Abstract

Health information access and dissemination pose a significant challenge worldwide, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of community radio (Solid 100.9 FM Enugu and Dream 92.5 FM, Enugu) as a vital communication channel for disseminating health information and promoting behavioural change in some chosen rural areas in Enugu State. Residents of 5 chosen communities in Enugu State constitute the population of the study. A mixed method of research design was used. The agenda-setting was used as its theoretical framework, and it explores how the community radio's emphasis on certain health issues shapes the public's agenda. The study found an increase in health knowledge among community radio listeners in the chosen rural areas compared to non-listeners, particularly regarding health topics such as maternal health, malaria prevention, and drug abuse. The study recommends that community radio stations should prioritise community involvement in all stages of program development, from needs assessment and content creation to program evaluation. This will ensure that programs are relevant, culturally appropriate, and address the specific health needs of the underserved communities.