AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC RESPONSE TO MEDIA CAMPAIGNS ON COVID-19 PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assesses public responses to media campaigns on preventive measures of covid-19 pandemic in South East, Nigeria as advised by government and other health officials aimed at curtailing the spread of the disease since there is no clinically known vaccine or drugs for the treatment of covid-19. The population of this study was drawn from the South East states of the country with four hundred copies of questionnaire administered to respondents across the five states that make up the geopolitical zone. Health belief model was used as the main theoretical framework for the study. The study found that the media campaigns on preventive measures of covid-19 has been successful to some extent. The study also found that majority of the respondents are aware of the various media campaigns to curb the spread of the disease but the level of compliance is poor despite the intensity of these various media campaigns. But it is appalling that majority of the respondents still move about without wearing facemasks, not avoiding crowded places as well as not maintaining social distancing as advised in the various media messages. Thus, this study recommends the use of mixed media strategy in disseminating the messages so that the different medium will complement each other. Also, the government should enact law that would make it mandatory for people to wear facemasks and also adhere to the covid-19 safety protocols.