ASSESSMENT OF ‘’HEALTH WATCH’’ INFLUENCE ON REDUCTION OF MATERNAL MORTALITY

ABSTRACT

This study assesses Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) “Health Watch” programme influence on reduction of maternal mortality in Anambra State. The main objective of the study was to assess whether the FRCN “Health Watch” programme influences women’s attitude towards adoption of best practices in reducing maternal mortality. The study was anchored on dual theoretical frameworks which include: the Health Belief Model (HBM), Innovation of Diffusion theories. The survey research method was adopted to study a sample of 399 respondents selected from the population of women of child-bearing age resident in Anambra. This was determined using the Taro Yamani’s sample size determination formula. The questionnaire and the focus group discussion (FGD) were the instruments used in data collection. Results from the study were analyzed and presented in tables using frequency and percentage. The study found among others that: A more than two- thirds of the respondents have had good exposure to the FRCN “Health Watch” programme; the FRCN “Health Watch” programme has created awareness about measures aimed at reducing maternal mortality; the respondents perceived the FRCN “Health Watch” programme to be very positive and educative; that exposure to the FRCN “Health Watch” programme has helped in reducing maternal mortality. The study recommends research interest need to be extended to investigating the best mode of transmitting health message to the people in any community; either urban or rural community, based on radio as the best media of health communication to members of the society