Health Communication as a Viable Tool in the Control and Prevention of Meningitis in Nigeria: An Analytical Audience Perspective

Abstract:

Meningitis continues to be a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Effective control and prevention strategies are crucial in mitigating the impact of this infectious disease. It is in the light of this that this study therefore, from an analytical audience perspective, examines health communication as a viable tool in the control and prevention of meningitis in Nigeria. The objective of this study is basically to examine the impact of health communication interventions on the knowledge and preventive behavior related to meningitis among the target audience in Nigeria. This study is anchored on the attitude change theory; and data were collected through the use of questionnaires. Findings from this study show that health communication interventions have been impactful because it has influenced the knowledge and preventive behavior of the respondents as regards to the control and prevention of meningitis. The study also revealed that health communication strategies have been highly effective in the control and prevention of meningitis in Nigeria. This study recommends that in order to enhance the effectiveness of health communication as a viable tool in the control and prevention of meningitis in Nigeria, the multi-channel communication approaches should be strengthened.