An Assessment of the Role of Radio in Preventing Infant Mortality in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Infant mortality has continued to be a major issue affecting Nigeria and indeed, the whole world. The media can be said to have played their roles in preventing infant mortality as they most times air programs, talk shows, documentaries and panel discussion on this subject but yet, infant mortality has remained prevalent. The study investigated the level of awareness of infant mortality, level of awareness of the causes of infant mortality in North central Nigeria, the frequency of Radio health programs aired, the role of radio in preventing infant mortality and factors that impede the success of Radio health programs in preventing infant mortality in North Central Nigeria. The agenda setting theory and development media theory were used for this study. In order to assess the role of Radio in preventing child death, the survey research design was used. Questionnaire and interview were used as research instruments to obtain data; multi-stage sampling was used to select states, local governments and community in the North central Zone of Nigeria. Analysis of the data collected showed that the respondents are aware of the causes of infant mortality and the radio occasionally air programs on infant mortality. The data analyzed also shows that the radio perform some specific roles geared towards preventing infant mortality but the message is not delivered because of hindrances like language, culture, and boring health programs. The study recommends that programs on Infant mortality should be given more prominence by Radio stations and community radio should be set up to address the community in the language and way they can understand. Radio stations are also encourage to evaluate and assess themselves frequently to know if the approach used to pass health message is yielding results or not.

Keywords: infant, mortality, infant mortality