A STUDY OF COMMUNICATION APPROACHES OF VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY MOBILIZER NETWORK ON POLIO INTERVENTION IN SABON GARI LGA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

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A STUDY OF COMMUNICATION APPROACHES OF VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY MOBILIZER NETWORK ON POLIO INTERVENTION IN SABON GARI LGA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract:

Poliomyelitis has over the years been proven to be one of the most contagious and dreaded childhood diseases. The effect of this disease ranges from general health discomfort due to physical deformation of legs, paralysis and early infant mortality. The adverse effects of Polio on children propelled intensive campaigns on the acceptance of Polio vaccine in order to mitigate the hazardous health impact of the Polio virus on children. This was done by breaking down the campaign channels into components such as the Volunteer Community Mobilizer Network for poliovirus intervention. Therefore, the study sets out to assess the communication approaches of the Volunteer Community Mobilizer Network as a channel for polio intervention and to strengthen the acceptance of polio vaccine in the study locations through the deployment of effective change communication platforms. The objectives of this study are; to investigate the knowledge and perceptions of polio disease in the study locations; to explore the factors militating against the acceptance of polio vaccine in the study locations; identify and analyze the communication approach of the Volunteer Community Mobilizer Network for polio intervention in the study locations and devise ways that Polio can be more effectively communicated for a lasting and sustainable result. The theoretical framework used for this study is the Health Belief Model by Becker (1974) from the work of Rosenstock (1966). The theory states that the perceived level of susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers are factors that influence an individual‟s likelihood of adopting a new health practice. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods of Questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interview. Findings of this study revealed that Volunteer Community Mobilizer Network (VCMN) in Sabon Gari LGA utilize multiple communication platforms such as home visits, compound discussion, distribution of leaflets and messages via cassette and phone. The study established that despite the efforts of VCMN and the viable communication methods they deploy to create awareness on Polio and the importance of the vaccine, there is still considerable refusal or non-compliance of Polio vaccine in the communities and the residents are aware and concerned. It was discovered that the people in the communities do not accept the vaccine because it is free while they pay huge sums of money to be treated in hospitals. Interestingly, others still believe it is an evil attack not a health problem. The study recommends that VCMN should engage educational institutions, especially secondary schools, to create health clubs for awareness on health issues like polio. Also, VCMN should carry out a study and interact with community people to agree on the time for awareness and vaccination rounds.

A STUDY OF COMMUNICATION APPROACHES OF VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY MOBILIZER NETWORK ON POLIO INTERVENTION IN SABON GARI LGA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

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