International Journal of sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Vol. 1, Issue 1, pp. 10-17, December 2023

Exposure to Care-Giver Radio Programme and Knowledge/Use of Mosquito-

Treated-Nets among Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers in Ikwo, Ebonyi
State, Nigeria

Kenneth Adibe Nwafor1 & Ogechukwu Rebecca Chidi-Irem2,

Department of Mass Communication, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria1

Research and Ethics Unit, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria2

Corresponding author: chidiiremoegechukwu02@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Background: Malaria is a leading cause of infant mortality globally with prevalence in Sub-
Saharan Africa. Use of mosquito-treated-nets is a strategic means of reducing mosquito bites
which causes malaria.
Objectives: This study investigated the influence of care-giver radio programme on knowledge
and use of mosquitos-treated nets (MTNs) among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo
local government area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. .
Methods: Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Questionnaire served as instrument for
data collection. Generated data were analysed using test of goodness of fit chi-square.
Findings: There was significant exposure to Care-giver radio programme on Ebonyi Broadcasting
Co-orporation (EBBC) radio among the study participants, but could not influence positive
attitudinal change towards consistent MTNs use and adherence to precautionary measures against
other predisposing factors to mosquitos bites.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the programme had high influence on knowledge but
limited influence on use of mosquito-treated-nets among pregnant women and nursing mothers in
the area of study. The study recommends a more comprehensive approach that involves regular
(re)orientation of all key satkeholders involved in infant and maternal health for better protection
of mother and child against malaria.

Keywords: Malaria, Mosquito-treated-nets, knowledge and use, Nursing Mothers, Pregnant

women

INTRODUCTION
Malaria has continued to be a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa,
where it remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and infant mortality. Pregnant women and
nursing mothers are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of malaria, as it poses serious

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Vol. 1, Issue 1, pp. 10-17, December 2023

risks to both maternal and child health. In Nigeria, malaria accounts for a significant proportion of
maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, with approximately 25% of maternal deaths (Federal
Ministry of Health, 2015).
Ebonyi State, including Ikwo Local Government Area, is identified as a region with substantial
malaria burden, necessitating targeted interventions (NPC and ICF, 2019). The utilisation of
Mosquito Treated Nets (MTNs) is a pivotal strategy in malaria prevention (WHO, 2021).
However, despite its proven efficacy, challenges persist in achieving optimal usage among
pregnant women and nursing mothers due to various socio-cultural factors, access barriers, and
misconceptions (Okeibunor, 2018).
Malaria is caused by mosquito bits. One of the effective methods of preventing mosquitos bite is
through the use of mosquito-treated-nets (MTNs). They create a physical barrier that prevents
mosquitoes from biting and reduce their population density, thereby, decrease the risk of malaria
infection (Lengeler, 2004). Additionally, MTNs treated with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)
provide sustained protection over an extended period, making them a valuable tool in malaria
control and prevention strategies (WHO, 2019).

Social and behaviour change communication plays significant role in knowledge and adherence to
health tips among audiences. Radio, due to its ubiquity, wide reach and effectiveness in conveying
health messages have made it a prominent medium in promoting behavioral change towards
malaria prevention and control (Oku, 2018). One the popular radio programmes that promote
knowledge and use of mosquito-treated nets in Ebonyi state, Nigeria is Care-givers on Ebonyi
Broadcasting co-oporation (EBBC), Abakaliki. Care-Giver is a health communication initiative
designed to disseminate information on maternal and child health, including malaria prevention
strategies, in various regions of Nigeria including Ebonyi state (NPC and ICF, 2019).

Scholars such as Okeibunor, (2018) and Wakefield, (2010) have investigated media role in the
fight against malaria. The difference however between those studies and the present study is that
whereas such studies have focused on media war against malaria on the society, not many have
paid attention to how malaria affect the health of the unborn-child and of the mother. Again, such
studies had focused on geographical locations different from the area of the current study. It was
an attempt at filling this knowledge gap and academic lacuna that prompted this study.

Research Questions
The following research questions will be used for the study:

1. What is the level of exposure to EBBC Care-giver radio programme among pregnant women
and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA?

2. What is the level of influence of Care-giver radio programme aired on EBBCon knowledge of
MTNs among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA?

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3. What is the level of influence of Care-giver EBBC radio programme on the use of MTNs
among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA?

The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Initiative in Nigeria

The Roll Back Malaria initiative is a global partnership launched in 1998 by the World Health
Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations
Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank. The RBM initiative aims to coordinate efforts
and resources to reduce the burden of malaria worldwide. In Nigeria, the RBM initiative has been
instrumental in supporting malaria control and prevention strategies. (Roll Back Malaria
Partnership 2019). It has facilitated the distribution and promotion of MTNs, supported capacity
building for healthcare providers, and advocated for increased access to malaria diagnosis and
treatment. (Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria 2014).Nigeria bears a significant burden of malaria,
with high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly among pregnant women and young
children. To address this challenge, Nigeria has implemented various strategies to increase ITN
coverage and promote the use of MTNs. Under the RBM initiative, Nigeria has made significant
progress in scaling up ITN distribution campaigns. The National Malaria Elimination Program
(NMEP) has collaborated with partners to distribute free or highly subsidized MTNs to vulnerable
populations, including pregnant women and children less than five years of age. Additionally,
behavior change communication campaigns have been conducted to promote ITN use and educate
communities on the importance of proper net usage, maintenance, and regular re-treatment. These
campaigns leverage various communication channels, including mass media, community
engagement, and healthcare provider training, to raise awareness and improve ITN usage rates.

Wakefield, (2010), describes the care-giver radio programme a strategic use of media channels to
raise awareness, shape public opinion, and advocate for specific health issues. It plays a vital role
in disseminating information, influencing attitudes, and driving behavior change. A study by
Wakefield focuses on the role of EBBC Care-Giver Radio Programme in tobacco control. They
highlight the importance of Care-Giver Radio Programmeof EBBC in influencing public opinion
and shaping policy environments.In the context of malaria prevention, Care-Giver Radio
Programme has been recognized as a valuable tool. A study by Ejezie, evaluates the impact of a
Care-Giver Radio Programme campaign in Nigeria. They find that the campaign significantly
increased knowledge and awareness about malaria prevention strategies, including ITN utilization
(Ejezie, 2016).
Furthermore, Swamidoss examines the role of Care-Giver Radio Programme in promoting
ITN utilization among pregnant women in India. Their findings suggest that Care-Giver Radio
Programme, particularly through radio programs, effectively increased ITN usage and improved
malaria prevention knowledge among pregnant women (Swamidoss, 2015). However, Care-Giver
Radio Programme plays a crucial role in raising awareness, promoting behavior change, and
mobilising communities for malaria prevention. Care-Giver Radio Programme provides a platform

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International Journal of sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)
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for the dissemination of accurate and timely information about malaria prevention strategies,
symptoms, treatment options, and available resources.

METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The research design for this study was descriptive survey research design. Descriptive survey
research design allowed for efficient data collection and analysis, providing quantitative insights
into the research topic.The structured questionnaire and standardized data collection process will
ensure consistency and facilitate statistical analysis, this research approach enables the collection
of quantitative data, allowing for statistical analysis and providing valuable insights into the use
of insecticide-treated nets among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA. The
systematic data collection process enables structured and reliable approach to studying the research
topic while allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the target population's perspectives
and behaviors.

Area of study
The area of study was Ikwo Local Government Area, located in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, it serves as
a significant focal point for various health-related studies, particularly concerning maternal and
child health within a region grappling with malaria endemicity. Ikwo Local Government Area is
characterized by a primarily rural setting, with agriculture being a significant economic activity.
The area faces health challenges common to many regions in sub-Saharan Africa, notably malaria,
which poses a considerable threat to maternal and child health. Pregnant women and nursing
mothers represent vulnerable groups susceptible to malaria infection, impacting both their health
and the well-being of their children.

Population of the study

The population for this study comprises of all women in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State, according to
the National Bureau of Statistics 2022(NBS 2022), the population of women in Ikwo LGA is
154,400.

Sample size
The researcher used Taro Yamane formula to determine sample size which states as follows:
To determine the sample size for your study using the Taro Yamane formula, you would need to
know the desired level of confidence and the acceptable margin of error. However, The Taro
Yamane formula is:

n = N / (1 + N(e^2))

Where:

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n = Sample size

N = Population size

e = Margin of error (expressed as a decimal)

with confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. Plugging in the values:

N = 154,400 (Population size)

e = 0.05 (Margin of error)

n = 154,400 / (1 + 154,400 (0.05^2))

n = 154,400 / (1 + 154,400 (0.0025))

n = 154,400 / (1 + 6.5)

n = 2600 / 7.5

n ≈ 399.67

n ≈ 400

Ethical Clearance

Ethical consent was sought and obtained from the respondents used for the study.The purpose of
the study was made clear to them both in English and Ikwo dialect spoken in the area
and confidentiality was assured. Those who were not willing to participate were neither coerced
nor pressurized; participation was totally voluntary.

RESULTS

Results of the study are presented below:

Table 1: Level of exposure to EBBC Care-giver radio programme among pregnant women
and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State

Level of Access Frequency Percentage

High 181 46.2%
Moderately 119 30.8%
Low 58 15.4%
Not at all 32 7.7%
Total 390 100%

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Source: Field Work, 2023.

The data presented above show high level of exposure to the care-giver programme on EBBC
radio among majority of the respondents.

Table 2: Level of influence of Care-giver radio programme on knowledge of MTNs among

pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA
Level of Influence Frequency Percentage
Highly 122 30.8%
Moderately 148 38.5%
Low 81 20.5%
Not All 49 10.3%
Total 390 100%
Source: Field Work, 2023.
The meaning of data on table two above is that the Care-giver radio programme on EBBC radio
has high influence on knowledge of MTNs among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo
local government area of Ebonyi state.

Table 3: Level of influence of Care-giver radio programme on use of mousquito-treated nets

among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA

Level of Influence Frequency Percentage

Highly 99 25.6%
Moderately 101 25.6%
Low 155 39.5%
Not at all 35 9.3%
Total 390 100%
Source: Field Work, 2023.
Table 3 above implies low level of use of mousquito-treated nets among pregnant women and
nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

DISCUSSION
The first research question focused on the level of exposure to the EBBC care-giver radio
programme among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Findings show high level of exposure to the care-giver programme on EBBC radio among majority
of the respondents. Access to radio programme is a critical prerequisite for its potential influence
on disseminating health-related information. Existing literature such as Smith (2018) and Dil,
(2019) often highlight the effectiveness of radio programmes in disseminating health-related
information to remote or rural communities, emphasizing their role in reaching vulnerable
populations.

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The study further indicated that the Care-giver radio programme on EBBC radio has high
influence on knowledge of MTNs among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo local
government area of Ebonyi state. This finding corroborates previous studies such as (Fung, 2019)
and Adebayo, (2020) that emphasize the potential of radio programmes in disseminating health-
related information. This shows that radio interventions can significantly improve knowledge level
among targeted populations.
Conversely, the study further yielded that low level of use of mousquito-treated nets among
pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria despite the high level
of exposure and significant level of knowledge of the importance of mosquito-treated-nets.
Previous studies such as James, (2020), Kabadi (2019) and Hossain (2018) discuss the impact of
radio programmes on health behaviours. The study shows that radio interventions can positively
influence health-related practices among targeted populations. The findings of this research
emphasise the need for ensuring that programme contents and messages align with the specific
needs and concerns related to MTNs usage among pregnant women and nursing mothers. Tailoring
such messages towards addressing barriers or gaps in perceptions could further enhance the
programme's impact on audiences.

CONCLUSION

The study investigated influence of care-giver radio programme on knowledge and use of
mosquito-treated-nets among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ikwo local government area
of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. From the analysis of the results, the study concludes that there was
significant exposure to Care-giver radio programme on Ebonyi Broadcasting Co-orporation
(EBBC) radio among the study participants, but could not influence positive attitudinal change
towards consistent MTNs use and adherence to precautionary measures against other predisposing
factors to mosquitos bites. Also, the programme had high influence on knowledge but limited
influence on use of mosquito-treated-nets among pregnant women and nursing mothers in the area
of study. The study recommends a more comprehensive approach that involves regular
(re)orientation of all key satkeholders involved in infant and maternal health for better protection
of mother and child against malaria.

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