AN ASSESSMENT OF AKBC RADIO HEALTH PROGRAMMES’ IMPACT ON UYO BUSINESS WOMEN

This study examined the role of AKBC radio in the eradication of six child-killer diseases in Akwa Ibom State. Survey was the research instrument. The population of the study was made of 141,408 comprising both men and women across the two clans (Amanyam and Ikot Ekpene Urban) of Ikot Ekpene. However, sample size of 383 respondents was selected through a simple random technique. Data obtained for the study and analyzed. Yielded the following findings- that in spite of the programmes on immunization/vaccination, majority of women did not listen to the programmes on immunization and that the respondents were not influenced by AKBC radio messages on immunization/vaccination. Based on these findings, it was concluded from the study that AKBC radio played little role in the enlightenment of nursing mothers, caregivers and pregnant women and in the eradication of the six child killer diseases-measles, diphtheria, polio, tuberculosis, whooping cough and tetanus – in Akwa Ibom State therefore recommended that AKBC radio should make immunization programmes more persuasive so as to captivate their interest and that respondents should not allow social/cultural norms to influence their attitude toward media messages.