Year: 2025 | Month: April-June | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 115-130
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20250211
Awareness and Response to Avian Influenza Media Campaign Messages Among Residents of North-West Nigeria
Joseph U Anedo.1, Linus Kevin Gadzama2, Festus Ahmed Bitrus3, Luke Ifeanyi Anorue4
1,4Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
2,3Department of Mass Communication. Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State
Corresponding Author: Anorue Luke Ifeanyi
ABSTRACT
Avian Influenza (AI), or bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals. Caused by influenza A viruses such as H5N1, H7N9, and H5N8, AI poses significant risks to poultry and public health. This study examined Awareness and Response towards media campaign messages on AI among residents of North-West Nigeria. Using a survey approach to assess public engagement with AI campaign messages, a multistage sampling technique was used to select 405 respondents, with data collected through structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to address the research questions, while standard deviation was used to measure the extent of variation or dispersion within the dataset. Findings indicate high awareness levels, with television and social media being the primary sources of information. However, social media emerged as the most comprehensible and influential medium. The findings also indicate that respondents have a high level of positive influence from the various factors related to the Avian Influenza campaign messages. This consistent influence across various aspects demonstrates the importance of these factors in shaping residents' attitudes. The study recommends that residents actively seek credible health information to improve disease prevention efforts and counter misinformation.
Keywords: Avian Influenza (AI) Virus, Media Campaign, Awareness, Pandemic, Public Health,