Port Harcourt Residents’ Perception on Newspaper Coverage of Reproductive- Health Issues

Abstract

The study focused on investigating the perception of Port Harcourt residents’ on newspaper coverage of reproductive health issues. Several studies have confirmed that newspapers report such stories, however no studies to the best of the researcher’s knowledge has considered what people from this area think of such coverage. The objectives of the study were to find out their sources of information and their thoughts on the adequacy of the coverage given to reproductive health issues. The perception theory underpins the study, while survey research design was adopted to generate responses from 336 respondents. The purposive sampling technique was used to draw the sample questionnaire administration. Findings reveal that reproductive health messages are mostly obtained from family and friends, while newspapers had the least exposure. It was established that the coverage given to reproductive health issues is adequate, but does not influence their decision. This is possible as most of the people surveyed were between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and represent the sect in society with possible bad reading culture.

Keywords:  Newspaper Coverage, Reproductive Health, Nigeria

DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/89-04

Publication date: April 30^th 2020