IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

RESEARCH JOURNAL OF MASS COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (RJMCIT )

E-ISSN 2545-529X
P-ISSN 2695-2475
VOL. 9 NO. 4 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56201/rjmcit.v9.no4.2023.pg1.15

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Breaking the Silence: Broadcasting Media Messages against Youth Drug Abuse in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Chigozi Eke, Opeyemi Muideen Adeyemi

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Abstract

Youth drug abuse is a pressing issue in Port Harcourt metropolis, with detrimental effects on individuals, families and the community as a whole. The problem necessitates urgent attention and concerted efforts to mitigate its consequences. This study was undertaken to ascertain the breaking the silence: broadcasting media messages against youth drug abuse among in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The objectives of the study were among others: to find out the level of exposure of youths in Port Harcourt to broadcasting media messages against drug abuse and to find out if the broadcasting media have played any role to reduce the rate of youth drug abuses in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The method used was descriptive survey design. The study had a total population of 324,000 Port Harcourt youths with a sample size of 400 drawn from the studied population through Taro Yamane mathematical formula. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the youths in Port Harcourt. Close-ended format questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Findings showed that the level of exposure to broadcasting media messages against youth drug abuse in Port Harcourt Metropolis was less. Another finding, with regards to reduce drug abuse, revealed that the broadcasting media messages played an average role. The study concluded drawing from the underlying notions of the agenda setting theory, the broadcasting media messages significantly abdicated on a normative web of functionality embellished in information and education. However, message on the subject matter lacked depth. By inference, therefore, the drug abuse was not intensive and extensive. The study recommended that The Health Ministry should encourage media outlets to allocate airtime and coverage to youth drug abuse. Collaborate with journalists and organisations to produce informative content that educates the public about the dangers of drug abuse among youth and available resources for help

keywords:

Breaking Silence, broadcasting messages, drug abuse, Port Harcourt Metropolis

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References:

Abdullahi, Z. (2009). Drug abuse among youths: Strategies for school counselling. The Nigerian
Society of Educational Psychologists, 131-136

Akata, O. P. N. U. & Mba, J. U. (2023). Effectiveness of broadcast messages as a panacea to drug
abuse in South-East, Nigeria. University of Nigeria Interdisciplinary Journal of
Communication Studies, 29(1), 120 -130.
Balogun, S. (2016).Chronic intake of separate and combined alcohol, nicotine on body
maintenance among albinorats. Journal of Human Ecology,19 (1), 21 - 24.

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