INFLUENCE OF NIGERIAN TELEVISION AUTHORITY (N.T.A.) ENUGU IN IMPROVING RURAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
ABSTRACT
This study examines the influence of N.T.A Enugu in improving rural health care services in Ugwuaji community in carrying out this research both primary and secondary data were used and the researcher made use of sample size of 360 respondents across the local government area. Descriptive statistics were used and the findings showed that N.T.A play notable roles in improving rural health care services by informing the government on the poor state of health services on Ugwuaji community as noted by 27.8% of respondents sensitizing, the rural populace (Ugwuaji community to appreciate and participate on government health programmes as noted by 47.22% of respondents mobilizing the masses for positive actions towards health improvement e.g environmental sanitation nutrition e.t.c as noted by 100% of respondents. This research therefore builds its foundation on the affirmation of the diffusion of innovation theory which shows the ability of the media to sensitize the audience on the existence of some diseases and mobilizing them towards accepting some decisions or strategies that will help to improve the general health of the rural dwellers. This research thereby recommends that government should \regularly sponsor health programmes in N.T.A. The government should provide infrastructural facilities such as good roads, electricity, and telecommunications and also government should improve literacy level of rural dwellers in order for them to participate on health programmes.
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Health is the most essential ingredient of life, deny man of that, he remains impotent in life. People do not value their good state of health until they have experienced one form of sickness or another. However, as it is being said that health is wealth, issues of health has overwhelmed our daily comments since revolution of science. According to records, sickness of various kinds has endangered the life of various citizens of Nigeria before, during and after the reign of colonial masters. Even at present people of Nigeria among other developing countries sign our detriment of sickness especially communication diseases like syphilis, AIDS etc. On the other hand, communication system during the era was at its functional stage. The people of the third world countries rely on local communication for their exchange of ideas. The use of metal and wooden gong gun shots and smokes do not impact much information to people and some knew they are selective in nature and health messages are retarded.
Communication came and persisted in its function to enthrone philosophers and scientists quest to standardize the health welfare of people, communication has modernized people of the Third World and made their embrace changes in their health environment. One would say that since the advent of modern communication system, health issues have embraced a new and prosperous era in the society. Communication functions to educate, inform and enculturete the people on the novel Medicare. Since then, the policy of health has been a dynamic ongoing process, less academia would ask mullion question on the immunization programmes since sickness has been pervasive, government, non-governmental organization and individual are to fight it to a stop through the media. Just as communication is indispensable in any human activity, Nigerian Television Authority as a broadcasting medium nearest to Ugwuoji community is very vital to the sensitization of the rural areas or a large, heterogeneous people for any activity that is of interest to them.
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