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Open Defecation as a Public Health Challenge: Influence of Media Campaigns on Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour of Residents of FCT-Abuja, Nigeria 1Chinwe Mirian Odionye, 2Uchechi Emmanuela Enenebeaku and 3Obinna Peter-Damian Anumihe 1Department of Journalism and Media Studies University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 2Department of Biotechnology, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria. 3Department of Radiography and Radiation Sciences David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Authors Contact Details: E-mails ✉: [1] chinwe.odionye@uniport.edu.ng, [2] emmanuela.enenebeaku@uaes.edu.ng, [3] obinnaanumihe@yahoo.com Accepted February 23, 2025 This study assessed open defecation as a public health issue and influence of media campaigns against this practice among residents of FCT Abuja, Nigeria. The study aimed to ascertain the level of knowledge of media campaigns against open defecation among residents of FCT-Abuja; whether mass media campaigns have influenced their attitude towards stopping open defecation and if media campaigns have translated into their positive behaviour towards stopping open defecation. The study was anchored on Agenda Setting Theory. The research method adopted was descriptive survey. Survey research design was used with questionnaire as instrument for selecting 400 respondents for the study. Findings revealed that knowledge level of residents of FCT Abuja about media campaigns against open defecation was high; media campaigns positively influenced their attitude but did not translate into positive behaviour towards stopping open defecation in Abuja. The study concluded that since there are still cases of open defecation, there is still need for continuous media campaigns against such practices. Key words: Open defecation, Public Health, Media Campaigns, Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour. Full Text PDF (260 KB) |
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