Broadcast Media Exposure, Knowledge, Awareness, Attitude And Practice Of Lassa Fever Among Residents Of Oyo Metropolis

Abstract

Lassa fever remains a public health concern in Nigeria, making effective health communication essential for promoting awareness and preventive practices.However, access to broadcast media does not necessarily guarantee adequate knowledge of the disease or significant changes in attitudes towards its prevention. This study examined broadcast media exposure, knowledge, awareness, attitudes and practices of Lassa fever among residents of Oyo Metropolis.The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and was guided by the Health Belief Model and Uses and Gratifications Theory. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, with 392 properly completed questionnaires analysed out of 399 targeted. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages and mean scores, as well as inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and independent-samples t-test, were used for data analysis.The findings revealed that awareness of Lassa fever was relatively high, although knowledge of specific symptoms and related information remained limited. Despite the general accessibility of radio, exposure to specific Lassa fever messages was moderate. Respondents demonstrated generally favourable attitudes towards Lassa fever prevention, and broadcast media exposure had a statistically significant positive relationship with their attitudes. Poor environmental sanitation, inadequate hand hygiene, improper food storage and conditions that encourage rodent infestation were identified as important predisposing factors. However, the perceived influence of broadcast media messages on individual attitudes ranged from low to moderate. The study concluded that broadcast media, particularly radio, contribute to promoting favourable attitudes towards Lassa fever prevention, but existing communication efforts require improvement to strengthen specific knowledge and encourage preventive behaviour. It therefore recommends that broadcasters and public health authorities increase the frequency of Lassa fever programmes and provide clearer, consistent and locally relevant information on symptoms, transmission, prevention and appropriate health-seeking behaviour