International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue IX, September 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Prof. Sunny.E Udeze, Dr. Chidiebere Anthony Ezinwa, & Dr. Ekwe Okwudiri
Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria
Abstract: This study investigates the perceptions and responses to Covid-19 risk communication among rural dwellers in Enugu State. In conducting this study, survey research method was used to generate quantitative and qualitative data from rural residents in select communities in Enugu State through the instrumentality of questionnaire and Key Informant Interview. A sample size of 384 was drawn from the population using Wimmer and Dominick online sample calculator. Analysis of data generated revealed that the most reliable source of health messages on Covid-19 for rural residents during the pandemic was the radio. More so, majority (52 percent) of the sampled respondents were of the view that they had a moderate knowledge about Covid-19 controlling and preventive measures and majority of the respondents practiced Covid-19 preventive measures to a moderate extent. Religious and cultural norms were found to be major barriers to Covid-19 messages targeted at rural people. Based on the findings, it was recommended that health messages targeted at rural residents should take into account some factors that are peculiar to rural environment such as religious and cultural issues, poverty, level of education and access to adequate information.
Keywords: Perceptions. Covid-19. Risk Communication. Rural Dwellers. Cultural Barriers
I. INTRODUCTION
The coronavirus pandemic remains one of the major health concerns the world has witnessed in many decades. Unarguably, the pandemic stretched the health systems of many nations and put the world in serious public health emergency. The complications of Covid-19 arose from the fact that it was a novel virus without cure or vaccine as at the time of the outbreak (Cifrc, 2021).
Nigeria recorded her index case on 27th of February, 2020 in Lagos State. The figure continued to rise across the states in the country in spite of the messages on the preventive protocols from various sources and channels. Presently, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) records show 164,207confirmed cases of Covid-19, 154,325 discharged and 2,061 deaths in Nigeria.