EFFECT OF RADIO CAMPAIGN IN PROMOTING EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS: A STUDY OF RESIDENTS IN ENUGU NORTH AND SOUTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

Abstract

The focus of this research was on Effect of Radio Campaign in Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding among Women in Rural Areas (A Study of residents in Enugu North and South Federal Constituency). The ultimate aim of the study was to assess the extent to which radio campaign is used in promoting exclusive breastfeeding among women in rural areas in Enugu North Federal Constituency and to find out whether radio campaigns that promote exclusive breastfeeding have significant effect on women in rural areas. The researcher adopted the Agenda Setting Theory and the Health Belief Model as the theoretical framework of the study. The survey research method was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 1033560. A total of 400 copies of questionnaire were administered to the sample of the study while 375 were successfully returned for statistical analysis. The data was analysed using tables, frequencies and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that Radio campaign is extensively used in promoting exclusive breastfeeding among women in rural areas in Enugu North Federal Constituency. It was also discovered that Radio campaigns that promote exclusive breastfeeding have significant effect on women in rural areas. However, Women in rural areas do not comply to exclusive breastfeeding as a result of radio campaigns. Part of the recommendations of the study was that Frequent and constant portrayal of information about exclusive breastfeeding should be disseminated to nursing and expecting mothers as to create more access to information on good health care practices. Also, radio as well as other broadcast channels should adopt a more strategic approach towards mobilising nursing and expectant mothers towards proper infant and maternal health care practices which exclusive breastfeeding is part of.