An Assessment of the Psychological Aspects of Health Communication among Port Harcourt City Residents

Abstract

This study set out to find out how mass communication messages on health and health-related issues have resulted in attitudinal and behavioural changes among Port Harcourt (Nigeria) residents. It was a survey research which used the questionnaire as research instrument. Out of a population of 3,000,000 residents in Port Harcourt, 1,200 respondents were sampled through purposive and accidental sampling methods to assess the impact of health messages on the psychology of the residents. To achieve the set objectives of the study, three research questions were posed, and the data collected were analysed using simple percentages as statistical tool. The study indicated that in spite of the various efforts made by the government, healthcare givers and other change agents to improve the health conditions of Nigerians through attitude and behaviour change, these messages were found not to have diffused evenly among the populace. This was due to poor choice of communication channels, inappropriate and poorly co-ordinated communication strategies. It was, therefore, recommended that efforts should be intensified and health communication approach redefined and readjusted to meet the health needs of the people. Finally, it was also recommended that the people be reached through communication channels readily available and accessible to them.

Key Words: Health, Communication, Psychological Principles, Attitude change.