ASSESSMENT ON THE ROLE OF RADIO IN PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN EHIME MBANO RESIDENTS

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Background to the Study Across the globe, radio continues to be one of the most trusted and readily available forms of mass communication. Health communication is more than just transmitting medical facts—it is the art and science of shaping perceptions, changing behaviors, and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being. In an age marked by both information overload and deep health disparities, effective health communication stands as a lifeline, especially in communities with limited access to formal healthcare. It translates complex medical knowledge into relatable, actionable messages that resonate with people’s everyday realities. Whether through radio jingles, public campaigns, or interpersonal dialogue, health communication bridges the gap between knowledge and behavior, fostering healthier choices, dispelling myths, and creating informed, resilient populations. In rural and semi-urban areas of Nigeria where internet penetration and digital tools remain out of reach for many, radio is not just a medium of entertainment—it is a lifeline to essential information. Over time, it has become a vital tool for public enlightenment, particularly in health education. Its ability to communicate in indigenous languages, reflect local realities, and cut across literacy barriers allows it to reach people across age, gender, and educational backgrounds. This unique accessibility makes radio an indispensable tool for encouraging healthier living and shaping public attitudes toward disease prevention and wellbeing. Evidence from previous studies underscores how sustained exposure to health messages through radio can inform public behavior around issues such as hygiene, nutrition, vaccination, and preventive care (Ezeah et al., 2021; Nwabueze & Ebeze, 2023). For many residents in remote areas, these broadcasts often replace direct consultations with health professionals, offering timely advice on pressing health concerns. While health programming does exist—covering topics from maternal care to malaria prevention and pandemic response—the actual behavioral changes prompted by these messages have not been deeply studied. This research therefore aims to fill that gap by examining the role of radio in fostering healthy lifestyles among residents of Ehime Mbano LGA. In doing so, the study hopes to offer evidence on the real-world impact of radio in public health and guide strategies for improving the effectiveness of health communication in rural Nigeria. Statement of the Problem In a world where chronic illnesses and preventable diseases are on the rise, embracing a healthy lifestyle has never been more urgent. From what we eat to how we move, rest, and manage stress, our daily choices shape the quality and longevity of our lives. A healthy lifestyle is not merely about avoiding sickness—it is about thriving physically, mentally, and socially. For communities like Ehime Mbano, where access to healthcare may be limited, adopting healthy habits becomes a powerful form of self-preservation. Whether it’s practicing good hygiene, staying physically active, eating balanced meals, or avoiding harmful behaviors, the path to wellbeing begins with awareness and consistent, informed actions. Despite the growing utilization of radio as a tool for health education, there remains a knowledge gap regarding its impact on actual health behavior change, particularly in rural Nigerian communities like Ehime Mbano. Many health promotion interventions via radio are poorly evaluated, leading to questions about their effectiveness, audience engagement, and sustainability. Moreover, factors such as illiteracy, poor reception, inconsistent power supply, and cultural beliefs may limit the potential impact of radio-based health messaging. In Ehime Mbano, where health facilities are sparse and literacy levels vary, radio could be a transformative tool—yet, the absence of data on its influence on health outcomes creates a gap in health communication research and practice. This study, therefore, seeks to determine whether radio broadcasting effectively promotes healthy lifestyle choices among residents and identifies the challenges limiting its reach and influence. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The primary objective of this study is to assess the role of radio in promoting healthy lifestyles among residents of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area. The specific objectives are to: 1. Identify the types of health-related content aired by radio stations accessible in Ehime Mbano. 2. Examine the level of awareness and exposure of residents to health programs on radio. 3. Investigate the influence of radio health programs on residents' attitudes and behaviors towards healthy living. 4. Determine the perceived effectiveness of radio as a tool for health communication among residents. 5. Suggest strategies for improving the impact of radio health programs in promoting lifestyle change. 1.4 Research Questions 1. What types of health-related programs are aired by radio stations in Ehime Mbano? 2. How frequently are Ehime Mbano residents exposed to radio health programs? 3. To what extent do radio health programs influence the health behaviors of residents? 4. How do residents perceive the effectiveness of radio in promoting healthy lifestyles? 5. What can be done to enhance the effectiveness of radio health programming in the study area? Research Hypotheses H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between radio health program exposure and health behavior among residents of Ehime Mbano. H₀₂: Exposure to radio health broadcasts does not significantly improve the health knowledge of Ehime Mbano residents. H₀₃: There is no significant difference in healthy lifestyle practices between listeners and non-listeners of health-related radio programs. Significance of the Study This study will provide evidence-based insights into the role of radio in health promotion, particularly in semi-urban communities with limited access to formal healthcare services. The findings will be relevant to health communication specialists, public health policymakers, community health workers, and radio content developers. For health educators, the study will offer valuable information on how to optimize radio content for better impact. For local government authorities, it will guide policy decisions on partnerships with media organizations to expand health education reach in underserved areas. Most importantly, the study will benefit residents of Ehime Mbano by potentially improving the quality and relevance of the health information they receive. Delimitation of the Study This study is confined to residents of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. It will focus on examining the role of radio programs in influencing their knowledge and practices regarding healthy living. The study will not consider other forms of media such as television, newspapers, or social media. Participants will include individuals aged 18 and above who are regular radio listeners. Definition of Terms Radio Health Programs: Audio broadcasts aired on radio stations aimed at educating the public on health-related issues. Healthy Lifestyle: Daily practices that promote physical and mental well-being, including proper nutrition, hygiene, exercise, and disease prevention. Health Communication: The use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community decisions that enhance health. Health Behavior: Actions taken by individuals that affect health, including compliance with health messages, attendance at clinics, and dietary choices.