Readers’ Reception of Print Media Messages on the 2024 Cholera Outbreak in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The mass media plays a pivotal role in the dissemination of information during health emergencies. The media does not only bring emergency messages to the people, but also influence public opinions and perceptions. Therefore, this study examined the newspaper readers’ reception of the print media messages during the 2024 cholera outbreak in Lagos state. The major aim of the study was to analyse the newspaper readers’ reception of the print media cholera messages during the 2024 cholera outbreak in Lagos state. The study is hinged on Reception Analysis and Uses and Gratifications theories. Survey and in-depth interview methods were employed in the study. The survey method was used to gather data from the sample population of 800 respondents who were systematically drawn from seven (7) selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos state. In addition, fourteen (14) opinion leaders were randomly selected and interviewed. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed, and the core findings of the study showed that 97.7% of the respondents were well aware of the 2024 cholera outbreak; 89.0% agreed that the message was about health emergency, and 89.4% perceived the message as being very helpful. It was therefore concluded that print media is a reliable means of getting health information across to the masses. Subsequently, the study recommended that the government and health authorities should further explore and utilise the print media as a veritable means of reaching out to the populace during health emergencies.