INFLUENCE OF NEWSPAPER COVERAGE ON READERS’ COMPLIANCE WITH COVID- 19 PREVENTIVE MESSAGES IN NIGERIA

Akinrinola Daniel Gbolahan, Akinwalere Ifedayo, Akinrinola Olaoluwa Reuben

INFLUENCE OF NEWSPAPER COVERAGE ON READERS’ COMPLIANCE WITH COVID- 19 PREVENTIVE MESSAGES IN NIGERIA

Abstract: Understanding the elements that affect people's compliance with preventative measures has become essential for public health activities in the aftermath of the global Covid-19 epidemic. This study looks into how readers' compliance behaviours with Covid-19 preventive measures are influenced by newspaper coverage. The study adopts a quantitative research approach, using surveys and statistical analyses to assess the link between newspaper coverage and readers' compliance with Covid-19 prevention guidelines, using both Agenda Setting theory and the KAP model. The questionnaire was used to test participants' understanding of preventative measures, exposure to Covid-19 news coverage, and compliance with suggested guidelines. The study discovered that during the pandemic, newspapers had a substantial influence on readers in preventing the virus's spread. The findings shed light on the role of newspapers in shaping public behaviour during a health crisis and inform communication strategies to promote effective preventive practices. Ultimately, the study provided actionable insights for policy-makers, journalists, and health professionals to enhance public health outcomes and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. The results provide insight into how newspapers affect public behaviour during a health emergency and provide guidance for communication methods to support successful preventative measures.

KIJHUS Volume. 4, Issue 2 (2023)

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INFLUENCE OF NEWSPAPER COVERAGE ON READERS’ COMPLIANCE WITH COVID- 19 PREVENTIVE MESSAGES IN NIGERIA