Influence of Radio Messages on the Awareness and Adoption of Malaria Preventive Measures among Rural Dwellers in Osun State, Nigeria

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in rural Nigeria, despite efforts by government and non-government organisations to use radio for sensitisation on malaria prevention. The persistent prevalence of malaria raises concerns about the effectiveness of radio in raising awareness and influencing preventive behaviour. This study investigated the impact of radio messages on the awareness and adoption of malaria preventive measures among rural dwellers in Osun State. The study adopted the cultivation theory and health belief model as a framework, while using a survey method to gather quantitative data from 392 respondents in the Iwo and Ede-South local government areas between October and December 2023. Findings revealed that radio broadcasts effectively exposed rural dwellers to malaria prevention information and positively influenced their adoption of preventive measures. The study concludes that radio stations should engage rural audiences regularly on health issues to encourage lasting behaviour change. It recommends that radio stations dedicate more time to designing health messages that promote positive health behaviours. These insights provide valuable direction for policymakers and health organisations seeking to enhance malaria prevention efforts in rural areas.