EFFECTIVENESS OF AKBC RADIO PROGRAMME SAFE MOTHERHOOD ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG MOTHERS IN UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

EFFECTIVENESS OF AKBC RADIO PROGRAMME SAFE MOTHERHOOD ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG MOTHERS IN UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study

Generally, the mass media has been able to fulfill the expectation of the masses through its many oriented programmes and messages carefully selected to educate, sensitize, inform and promote the cultural value of the society.

It is generally acknowledged that the mass media as one of the agent of socialization which inform, educates and entertains the public has a profound effect on the masses through its messages and programmes which are deliberately designed for the benefits of the masses  who rely heavily on its for information within and outside the globe.

One of such programmes which is generally aired on the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporate (AKBC). Radio on every Wednesdays is called, “safe motherhood”. Through this programme mothers in Akwa Ibom State are made to understand that breast milk is natural food for the infant and human breast milk is available to the infant at no-cost at it is safe and hygienic for the body. The mother’s breast milk is in sufficient quality and at the right temperature. With all the nutrients in adequate proportion essential for the growth of the infant.

The programme safe-motherhood is designed to make mothers know that exclusive breastfeeding is not a punishment to them neither is it a means to make their breast fall but rather it is meant to reduce the rate of children e.g. gastroenteritis and respiratory infections. It reduces incidence of avergic disorders. Provides bonding between the mother and child, hence improving the psychosocial development of the child. It is hygiene, safe and always available to the infant exclusive breastfeeding do not only benefit the child but also the mother, the programme “safe  motherhood” makes it clear that exclusive breastfeeding provides satisfaction to the mother protects mother against breast and ovarian cancers. It aids faster involution for the uterus with reduction in post partum morbidity. Protects mother against early pregnancy post delivery.

• Statement of Problems

Breastfeeding has been described as the best source of nourishment for infant and young children because of its nutritional contents. Thus, the World Health Organization has continually emphasized on the need for nursing mothers to breastfeed their infants exclusively for at least six (6) months.

Mothers that are exclusively breastfeeding their babies seemed to be well informed. Of the advantages of breastfeeding, however it is not known if they mothers do so as a result of information gathered from radio.

Hence, this project is aimed at finding out if mothers in Uyo local government area are aware of AKBC radio programme “safe motherhood” which projects breastfeeding.

• Objectives of the Study