CAREGIVERS’ PERCEPTION OF BROADCAST MEDIA CHILD-KILLER DISEASE CAMPAIGNS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine caregivers’ perception of broadcast media reportage of child-killer
diseases with specific attention to South-East Nigeria. Mixed-method research design was adopted for the study and
the respondents were caregivers randomly selected from health centres, which are the government’s outlets for
immunization and vaccination within communities in the region. Quantitative data were collected through
questionnaire while qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed
using frequencies and percentages. From the study, the popular broadcast media campaigns on child-killer diseases
in the region were identified while the relevance and usefulness of the messages were ascertained. The perception
about scientifically unproven effects of the vaccines is a clog in the implementation of the campaign messages in the
region. More vigorous sensitization is needed to change the perception in the region about the effects of vaccines
and drugs against child-killer diseases.