Influence of Radio Programme News on Mental Health Communication amongst Residents of South-East Nigeria

Abstract

This study was centered on the influence of radio programme news on mental health communication amongst the residents of South-East Nigeria. The study was able to discuss the concept of radio, the role of radio on general health, the concept of mental health, radio and mental health, radio and early signs of mental health disorders and the symptoms. It also discussed the causes of mental health disorder, the role of radio on the remedy to mental health challenges which include psychotherapy or talking therapies, medication, and self-help. The study also adopted the focus group interview method as the method of data collection which gave room for the researcher to carefully select 10 health professional personnels who came for a health conference in Enugu which is the central area of the people in South-East Nigeria. From the questions asked the participants which started with, if the residents of South-East are much aware of the radio news programme on mental health. Majority of the respondents stated that the people are much aware of the programme, as well stated that the programme has made them to be informed about the causes of mental health challenges as well as remedies for those who are already victims. It was concluded the influence of radio news programme on mental health communication amongst the residents of South-East Nigeria cannot be overemphasized as the programme awareness has made them to know the causes of the illness as well as the possible remedies for the victims. It was finally recommended that the communication professionals should take it upon themselves to use any mass communication means in order to constantly inform the people on how to avoid falling into the danger of mental health illness, as well as the remedies for those who are already victims through the help of the health professional advisers.