Jos Residents’ Perception of Tuberculosis Health Education Messages in Conventional Mass Media

Abstract

The study examined the perception of Jos residents regarding traditional mass media coverage of tuberculosis (TB). It assessed the extent of traditional mass media coverage of tuberculosis, as well as whether the information provided by mainstream mass media is adequate for understanding tuberculosis. The study adopted the agenda setting theory. It collected data through the use of questionnaire and interviews. The total population of the study was 750, 500, which a sample size of 384 (for the quantitative part of the study) was drawn using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) method. For the qualitative aspect of the study, a sample size of 16 was used. Purposive and saturation sampling methods were adopted. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and narrative techniques. The findings of the study revealed low (1.9 mean score) of tuberculosis by
traditional media organisations domiciled in Jos metropolis. The results, additionally, revealed that the mean rating of 1.9 indicated that the respondents rejected the view that conventional mass media organisations in Jos have considerably quipped residents of Jos with messages regarding tuberculosis. The study concluded that traditional media in Jos have not provided sufficient information and enlightenment about TB. The implication of this could increase in the cases of TB in Jos metropolis. The study recommended the need for conventional mass media organisations operating in Jos metropolis to improve on their coverage of tuberculosis with a view to ensuring that residents of Jos get comprehensive information and education regarding TB.