Author’s Contact Detail: E-mail Address ✉: titilayo.osuagwu@uniport.edu.ng

In communication scholarship, theories and models form the foundation for explaining and comprehending beliefs, attitudes, opinions and thoughts. They also predict and control behaviour patterns and influence communication. Despite the centrality of theories in human endeavours, their role in addressing health-related issues is underrated; thus, there is a paucity of research about the need to leverage communication theory in designing health-related communication. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria led its policymakers to develop a set of safety protocols to curb the spread of the menace. There were lots of informational materials to pass the messages to the masses. However, the compliance rate to the laid down safety protocols was inadequate which has resulted in a high percentage of community transmission. This study interviewed eight (8) health communicators in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, about their knowledge of health communication theories and reviewed theories of health communication that policymakers and their communication officers need to identify and pay attention to when framing information about adherence to safety protocols. The article highlighted the importance of how communication theories can help reduce information gaps, promote acceptance and minimize the lack of adherence to safety protocols in Nigeria.

Key words: Enhancing, compliance, Covid-19, safety protocols, communication theories.

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