IMPACT OF MASS MEDIA MESSAGING ON COMPLIANCE WITH COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS AMONG RESIDENTS OF OSOGBO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study seeks to investigate the efficacy of media information dissemination during a pandemic. The study adopted the survey method with the questionnaire as research instrument. A sample size of 300 Osogbo residents was drawn through non-probability convenience sampling techniques. Descriptive analysis was employed in the analysis of the obtained data. Findings from the study shows that 60% of respondents are persuaded to comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols as a result of mass media messaging on the pandemic and that wearing of facemask is where the media placed emphasis. Another major finding of the study is that 195 respondents (65%) were not vaccinated compared to 105 (35%) vaccinated. The reason for non-vaccination ranges from non-belief in the efficacy of vaccine to non- availability. The study recommends reinforcing COVID-19 safety campaign messages on other platforms and urges the government to devise means of curtailing news and misinformation on COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the social media.