An Assessment of the Utilization of the Social Media for Health Discourses in Awka Anambra State, Nigeria
Publication Date: 23/10/2021
Author(s): Innocent Paschal Ihechu (Ph.D), Chiazor Anthonia Chiaghana, Obiageli Oduh.
Volume/Issue: Volume 4 , Issue 4 (2021)
Abstract:
The benefits inherent in the utilization of the social media technologies for various areas of discourse especially health cannot be over emphasized. This is increasing as many use it for various purposes other than health discourse. This study explored the utilization of the social media for health discourses in Awka Urban. This study was designed as a survey. A sample of 384 respondents was drawn from 10 districts, randomly selected from Awka Urban. Findings show that Adults in Awka Urban use Smartphones and other gadgets to access information on social media; the social media platforms that are readily available to them are Facebook and Whatsapp. Although they use these social media platforms they do not get involved in health discourses. The study recommended that hospitals should employ the use of social media to disseminate health information. This would ensure that only trusted health messages are disseminated online. It also recommended that the Ministry of health should also use the social media to disseminate health information that would at long last modify behaviours of individuals as it relates the right way to live.
Keywords:
Social Media, Social Media Gadgets, Health Information, Social Media Platforms
