Influence of Radio Programmes on Audience Attitude Towards Better Health Practices

This study was carried out to examine the influence of radio programmes on audience attitude towards better health practices. In carrying out this research, four (4) objectives were set specifically to find out the level of exposure of Offa residents to radio health programmes, to determine the perception of Offa residents to health programmes on radio, to examine the effectiveness of radio health programmes among Offa residents and to determine the effect of radio health programmes on the attitude of Offa residents towards better health. In line with the nature of this study, survey research method was adopted. However, Taro Yamane model was used to determine the sample size to be 399 while purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents among the residents of Offa. The instrument utilized to elicit data for this study was questionnaire. More so, the data gathered were presented and analyzed using frequency distribution table and percentage. The findings showed that majority of the respondents were exposed to radio and also got information on health matters through the radio broadcasting, the respondents perceived radio as a useful tool for communicating health matters and as well opined that that radio programmes on health issue is informative and enlightening, the respondents were of the opinion that radio health programmes broaden their knowledge to a moderate extent. And lastly, radio health communication posed a positive influence on the respondents’ attitude towards healthy living. From the data gathered, it was concluded that health communications contribute to all aspects of disease prevention and health promotion. The recommendations made from the study noted that more health related programmes should be designed, packaged and broadcast through the radio since most individuals in the agrarian environments are highly exposed to it in order to enhance health living in the society.