International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global health crisis, prompting the urgent need for vaccination programmes to curb the spread of the virus. However, vaccine acceptance has been a major challenge in many communities, including Ebonyi State, Nigeria. In response to this, radio programmes have been utilised as a medium to educate and inform the public about the importance and safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
Objective: This study investigated the impact of radio health programmes on acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Method: The study adopted descriptive survey research design. A total of 388 participants were drawn from six local government areas, two from each of the three senatorial zones of the state using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with a consistency coefficient of 0.75, while analysis was done using chi-square.
Results: There was high level of exposure to radio programmes that encourage COVID-19 vaccination among respondents, but this coud not translate into high level of acceptance of the vaccines among respondents.
Conclusion: The study concludes that majority of the study participants did not accept the COVID-19 vaccines in Ebonyi State, Nigeria despite high level of exposure to radio programmes that encourage COVID-19 vaccination.
Unique Contribution: The study provides valuable insights into emerging gaps in media effects on audiences. This new insight can inform more effective public health interventions and communication strategies to promote vaccine acceptance and combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state and beyond.
Key Recommendation: There is need for further explorations to identify potential barriers to vaccine acceptance among the population despite high level of exposure to informative radio programmes on vaccines acceptance. Additionally, it may be beneficial to collaborate with local health authorities and community leaders to tailor messaging in radio health programmes towards addressing specific concerns or misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines among the population. Implementing targeted outreach strategies, community engagement initiatives, and education campaigns could as well help increase awareness and improve acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in the state.