The nexus between the Abuja Environmental Protection Boards’ use of communication media and change in public behaviour on drainage sanitation

Abstract

Poor drainage sanitation is a prevalent problem in many peri-urban communities across Nigeria and this has been blamed for the spread and persistence of perennial diseases like malaria, cholera, guinea worm, and elephantiasis, accounting for high levels of morbidity and mortality and a drawback to national health outcomes. Research has blamed the situation on poor choice of media of communication. Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has handled drainage sanitation for over 20 years in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, but, observation and windshield survey revealed that the problem still persists, especially among peripheral, informal settlements. Two study locations with these characteristics were chosen for this study, these are Nyanya and Dakwa. This study appraised the communication media used by the Board, interrogating reasons for its failure to achieve behaviour change. Using the Health Belief Model as theoretical framework, the study establishes that the respondents, who are at different levels of understanding of the dangers of poor drainage sanitation, can be influenced to change their negative practices through the knowledge of barriers and benefits. With a sample population of 1000 obtained via systematic and stratified sampling techniques, this study used quantitative methods to gather relevant data. Thereafter, key findings from the study revealed that 570 respondents, representing 57.8% receive their information regarding drainage sanitation from the AEPB through the radio, 156 others or 15% through television, and 42 others or 4.3% through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials. Findings from the study reveal that the Board’s concentration on the use of radio to reach citizens rather than deploying a mix of communication methods, played a huge part in awareness creation, but not behaviour change. The study recommends the use of a mix of media methods including participatory communication, and appropriate messaging to facilitate behaviour change regarding drainage sanitation.