PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF RADIO BROADCAST PROGRAMMES ON HEALTH MATTERS

ABSTRACT: The broad objective of this study is to examine public perception of radio broadcast programmes on health matters using radio listener in Onitsha in Anambra State.The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants using the convenience sampling technique to choose 280 participant who are radio listeners as the sample size in the study. A total of 267  responses were retrieved while a total of 261 validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are residents of Onitsha Metropolis. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and percentage. Findings of the study revealed that the extent at which health messages are communicated through radio broadcast is high. More so, Radio is an effective method to increase health knowledge and intentions to change health behavior. Thus The factors contributing to an individual’s preferred radio source of health information includes, time & affordability, electricity, portability and accessibility. The study therefore recommends that news and program content need to be carefully sourced and tailored to ensure that listeners in cities and at the grassroots, receive updated and accurate information about  health matters.