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Perceived benefits of nutrition information from the media on health among adult residents of selected communities in Abia state, Nigeria


L.I Salami
O.C Azubuike
I. Ihensekhien

Abstract

Background: Media information on nutrition and health in recent times is gaining momentum. Individuals get such information via search engines and implement such without questioning their authenticity
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess perceived benefits of nutrition information from the media on health among adult residents of selected communities Abia state.
Methods: A descriptive survey design using multistage sampling technique was adopted to select480 adult respondents (21years and above). A validated structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used in collection of data: on the demographic characteristic of the respondents, type of media used type of information obtained; and perceived benefits of nutrition information from the media on health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation)
Results: The result showed that 92% of the respondents were females and household heads, 57% had no formal or primary education and 70% were between ages 20 – 50 years old. The respondents frequently used the television (52%) and social media (30%)to access information. Prevention of diseases(21%), increased longevity (17%) and weight management (16%) were the most sought information from media. Good nutrition would make one to be healthy, healthy eating help treat nutrition related diseases were the perceived benefits of nutrition information from the media that had the highest mean scores.
Conclusion: Residents of Abia state substantially patronized the media for nutrition and health information. This is propelled by their concern on the prevalence of nutrition related diseases and they had good perception of the benefits of nutrition media information.

Keywords – Media information, perceived benefits, nutrition and health.


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eISSN: 2805-4008
print ISSN: 0189-0913