International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Diarrheal diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrheal diseases account for approximately 1.6 million deaths annually, mostly among children under the age of five. Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is essential for preventing diarrheal diseases. However, in many parts of Nigeria, including Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, access to safe water is limited. Despite the importance of safe water and sanitation, there is a gap in knowledge on the awareness and use of radio for safe water campaigns among residents of Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Objectives: To investigate the impact of radio in safe water campaigns for prevention of diarrheal diseases among residents of Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.
Method: Descriptive survey research was adopted. Questionnaire served as instrument for data collection. Using convenience and stratified sampling, 200 respondents people responded to the questionnaire. Data gathered from the survey were sorted, tabulated in frequency distribution tables and percentages.
Findings: Findings show high level of exposure to radio safe water campaigns but did not translate into desired attitudinal change among residents of Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo state towards diarrheal diseases preventive measures.
Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that the radio campaigns have not significantly influenced attitudinal change towards diarrheal diseases preventive measures among residents of Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo state.
Unique contributions: The study contributes to existing body of knowledge on impact of radio in safe water campaigns for prevention of diarrheal diseases in Nigeria. It is hoped that findings of the study will offer some insights to policymakers, public health practitioners, and radio broadcasters on how to design and implement effective radio programmes for safe water campaigns in Atisbo Local Government Area and similar settings.
Key recommendations: The study recommends that beyond radio campaigns, a comprehensive community-based policies and cohesive intervention programmes that involve a multi-media approach be adopted in future safe water campaigns for prevention of diarrheal diseases among residents of of the studied area and beyond.