MASS MEDIA MALARIA MESSAGES AND ITS IMPACT ON THE USE OF INSECTICIDE-TREATED BED NETS AMONG RESIDENTS OF ABIA STATE
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Worldwide, there has been concern about malaria, but Nigeria has been particularly affected because of its surrounding tropical environment. Almost half of the world’s population is still at risk of contracting this preventable and treatable disease in 2012, which caused millions of deaths (Amajor, 2011). In Nigeria, both behavioral and non-behavioral variables contribute to the spread of malaria. Some cultural practices that promote mosquito breeding and access to humans as well as the failure of at-risk populations to use technologies necessary for efficient malaria treatment, control, and prevention in a timely and appropriate manner have been blamed for the continued prevalence of malaria in these areas. The issue, according to Corcoran (2007), was made worse by the expansion of parasites and vectors that are immune to drugs and insecticides. Thus, it has been suggested that Nigeria’s geographic or ecological conditions are particularly favorable to mosquitoes and, as a result, to the predominance of plasmodia. To develop a successful malaria intervention program in Nigeria, it is therefore essential to understand the dynamics and effects of these factors.
Malaria prevention and control are best achieved with an integrated strategy that involves first-line drugs, case management, indoor residual spraying (IRS), and the use of insecticide-treated nets because statistics reveal that cases of malaria have increased dramatically over the years (ITN). The impact of ITNs on malaria control has been well documented; reports show that population coverage of ITNs of more than 70% reduces clinical malaria and all-cause mortality in children by 15% to 30% in Nigeria. (Corcoran, 2007) stated that the use of ITNs and indoor residual spraying is recommended for all people at risk. According to studies, using insecticide-treated nets has decreased mortality. Amajor (2011) observed that because they frequently lack basic knowledge about the origins, consequences, and financial capacity to pay for treatment and prevention measures, the poorest populations bear the brunt of the burden of malaria. Together with the behavioral and financial challenges, there are less frequently highlighted demographic and gender aspects. A major obstacle to the prevention and intervention of any public health issue is a person’s lack of knowledge and awareness of a condition; this can be significantly reduced by improving health communication tools and disseminating health information through traditional and/or digital media.
In Nigeria, attempts have been made to use the media to inform the public—especially expectant women—about the advantages of routinely utilizing ITNs. Print and electronic media are frequently used in developing nations to communicate messages on behavior change. It has been discovered that other forms of community communication, such as health literacy (via local theater productions and religious organizations), print media (posters, billboards, newspapers), and digital media (television, radio), are crucial for the dissemination of health information and have even been investigated as public health behavior modification tools.
In order to promote the use and adoption of these malaria prevention strategies, mass media campaigns have been created, according to Diala (2013). These campaigns aim to inform the general public, particularly pregnant women, of the benefits of utilizing ITNs during pregnancy. On national radio and television networks, messages from the media campaign were aired in English, Pidgin English, and Nigeria’s three primary local languages. In order to encourage access to reliable information, billboards with unambiguous statements on the connection between mosquitoes and malaria prevention were also placed in strategic locations near Nigeria’s largest cities. The statements on the billboards and the widely disseminated handbills that were shown across the country were used to create posters (Amodu, Adeyemo, Olumese & Gbadegesin, 1998). Data for African countries, however, is patchy, and little is known about the impact of media on malaria prevention practices including the usage of ITNs and antimalarial medication during pregnancy.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The government and private organizations in Nigeria have made commendable efforts to battle malaria so far by deploying media campaigns. However it appears that mass media sensitization and public awareness are separated by a wide margin. Amodu, Adeyemo, Olumese, and Gbadegesin observed that this is because the disease has persisted as a significant public health issue in the nation despite the significant resources—both human and material—invested in the attempt. According to Diala, C. (2013), it is crucial to keep in mind that many malaria control measures depend on community engagement, which depends on people’s knowledge and awareness of the disease. This raises concerns about whether media awareness messages or anti-disease programs are being effectively distributed to Nigerians.
The aim of this study is to provide a response to these questions because there is increasing concern about how communication technologies might be used to enhance the delivery of malaria healthcare. On this note, the study focused on Insecticide-Treated Bed Net Usage Among Residents of Abia State and Its Effect on Mass Media Malaria Messages and What Can Be Done to Improve It.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study’s main goal is to evaluate how media messages about malaria affect Abia State citizens’ adoption of insecticide-treated bed nets. The study’s other objectives are:
1. To determine how people in the Abia state feel about media messages about malaria.
2. To determine the difficulties facing media organizations and their anti-malaria campaign
3. To assess how insecticide-treated bed nets affect the transmission of malaria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The inquiries that underpin this study are:
1. How do citizens of Abia State feel about warnings about malaria appearing in the media?
2. What are the difficulties facing media organizations in their anti-malaria campaign?
3. What effects do bed nets sprayed with insecticides have on the transmission of malaria?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The health industry and its officials will greatly benefit from this study because it will address the advantages of adopting ITNs and how to combat malaria. It will be crucial for the media sector as well since it will demonstrate its influence and position in relation to the anti-malaria campaign, which is intended to motivate them to broadcast more content about malaria awareness. The study’s findings will be helpful to society because they will demonstrate the effects of utilizing ITNs, allowing people to modify behaviors that expose them to malaria. Empirically, the work will add to the body of knowledge and be a resource for researchers and students looking to pursue further research in a related area.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Certain Abia state localities will be the site of this investigation. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of anti-malaria messages in the media and how it affects inhabitants of Aba North Local Government, Abia State, who use insecticide-treated bed nets. The project will learn more about how residents of Abia feel about using insecticide-treated net. Nevertheless, the study only included residents of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government in Abia State.
1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Residents of Aba North Local Government Area in Abia State will be the only participants in this study, so results cannot be extrapolated to other locales. Just the employment of ITNs and mass media campaigns will be examined in this study. It won’t concentrate on any sort of anti-malaria initiative.
Financial limitations were experienced while doing this investigation. This restricts the scope of the investigation.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
Technology used to reach a large audience is known as mass media.
A protozoan parasite called malaria infects red blood cells and causes an intermittent and recurrent fever. It is spread by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical areas.
Any verbal, written, or recorded communication that is sent to or left for a receiver who cannot be reached immediately is referred to as a message.
Impact: a noticeable result or effect
A material used to kill insects is an insecticide.
Residents are those who occupy a location on a long-term or permanent basis.
REFERENCES
“Prevalence of malaria parasite infection among pregnant women,” by Adefioye, O. A. Adeyeba, W. O. Hassan, and O. A. Oyeniran.
C. Amajor (2011).
Program for national malaria control. [Online] Accessible at: nmcpnigeria.org (May 29, 2012).
Olumese, P., Amodu, O., Adeyemo, A., Gbadegesin, R. (1998). Intraleucocytic malaria pigment and clinical severity of malaria in children. 92: 54–56. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg.
N. Corcoran (2007). Theories and models in communicating health messages. [Online] It is possible to get it at www.corwin.com/upmdata/13975 Corcoran Chapter 1.pdf (July 23, 2013).
Department for International Development and United Kingdom Aid (DFID and UKaid) (2010). Overview of the evidence for malaria interventions and burden. [Online] You can get it at r4d.dfid.gov.uk/Output/185824/Default.aspx. (July 28, 2014).
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