THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RADIO CAMPAIGNS ON PREVENTION OF MALARIA AMONG UNDER- FIVE CHILDREN IN OSUN STATE

Abstract

Malaria is a major health challenge in Nigeria, accounting for approximately 60% outpatient attendance in health facilities, 30% childhood mortality, and 11% maternal mortality. This study examined the influence of radio campaign messages on the prevention of malaria among under-five children in Osun State. The study sampled three hundred and seventy-seven (377) participants drawn from 17,084 residents of Osun State. The study made use of a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed the level of awareness about radio campaign messages against malaria among Osun State residents is very high. The test of hypothesis revealed that radio campaign messages has a positive significant influence on prevention of malaria among under-five children in Osun State communities (R² = 0.126, β = 0.254, t (239) = 5.872, p < 0.05). The research concluded that Osun State residents generally have high level of awareness and listenership of radio campaign messages against malaria such as Ilera Loro, Abiye and the Roll Back Malaria campaign and that radio campaign messages have a positive significant influence on prevention of malaria among under-five children in Osun State communities. The study therefore recommended among others, that more campaign messages should be packaged and presented in indigenous languages in line with National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) requirements as this was found to be more popular among residents of the state.