Perceived effectiveness of radio jingle in combating the spread of Corona Virus among rural dwellers in Ifo and Odeda Local Government Areas of Ogun State, Nigeria

The study investigated the perceived effectiveness of radio jingles in combating the spread of Corona Virus among rural dwellers in Ogun State. It ascertained respondents’ awareness, knowledge, benefits derived and perceived effectiveness of the radio jingle in combating the spread of Covid-19. Using a multistage sampling procedure, 150 rural dwellers were randomly sampled and interviewed. Data were analyzed using percentages, means and correlation analysis at p=0.05. Results indicated that respondents were mostly aware of caution messages (𝑥̅ = 0.93±0.25), adherence to all non-pharmaceuticals preventive measures (𝑥̅ = 0.92±0.26) and warnings on adherence to preventive measures (𝑥̅ = 0.91±0.28). Knowledge was mostly high around issues of wearing of face mask (𝑥̅ = 0.90±0.30), social distancing (𝑥̅ = 0.84±0.37) and health workers’ vulnerability (0.84±0.48). Benefits derived included debunking myths about the virus (𝑥̅ = 1.86±0.87) and improved personal hygiene (𝑥̅ = 1.65±0.70). The jingle was perceived as highly effective in sensitizing others about the pandemic (𝑥̅ = 2.92±1.70) and vaccine information (𝑥̅ = 2.79±1.10). There was a significant relationship between awareness level and the perceived effectiveness of radio jingle (r = 0.318). Radio jingle was perceived effective by the rural dwellers, therefore should be intensified by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in combating corona virus and other issues of public health importance.