Assessment of Radio Jingles (OGBC FM 90.5) in Eradicating Malaria in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State

Abstract

There is a belief that media has the overreaching power to influence the perception and behavior of the public by sharing health-related information from various platforms which can ultimately impact the success of health and sustainability initiatives. Hence, this study assessed radio jingles (OGBC FM 90.5) in eradicating Malaria in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State. The study's general objective was to measure the perception of Abeokuta North residents on the role of OGBC FM in disseminating information about malaria prevention and  control and to assess ways through which OGBC Jingles has shaped Abeokuta North residents' knowledge, attitude, and practice to malaria prevention and treatment. The study adopted the Social Responsibility 
Theory and employed a survey research design. The study population comprised residents of Abeokuta North Local Government Area whose estimated population in the year 2022 was 338,100 (NPC, NBS, 2022). Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents across the 16 wards of the Local Government Area.  Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data using SPSS. Findings revealed that positive and favourable perception of the role of OGBC in disseminating information about malaria prevention and control as agreed by the majority 79%. It was discovered that the jingles have also helped to dispel myths and misconceptions about malaria and its treatment as acknowledged by the majority 69%. The result also showed 
that the jingles have encouraged the majority 85% of people to adopt preventive measures such as sleeping under insecticide-treated nets and keeping the environment clean, which has led to a reduction in the incidence of malaria in the area. Findings also revealed the effectiveness of OGBC jingles on malaria prevention and control in that majority 75% changed behaviour since they were exposed to it. The study concluded that the employment of radio jingles, fliers, and posters has been a part of community awareness campaigns on malaria management and eradication. It is crucial to carry out these initiatives and look into fresh 
approaches to combat malaria in the area.