ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE TO NIGERIA INFO 92.3FM FAMILY PLANNING AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF WOMEN IN WOJI COMMUNITY

ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE TO NIGERIA INFO 92.3FM FAMILY PLANNING AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF WOMEN IN WOJI COMMUNITY BY NDUKWE, PRECIOUS IFUNANYA U2019/1825081 A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A) IN LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES THE DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES, FACULTY OF HUMANITIES, UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA NOVEMBER, 2024 CERTIFICATION This is to certify that this research work has been read and approved as meeting the requirement of the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State for the award of Bachelor of Arts ( B. A. Hons) Degree University of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria. Dr. B. O. Agbo ………………….. …………………. Project Supervisor Signature Date Prof. E.N. Oweleke …………………… …………………. (Head of Department) Signature Date Prof. J. N. Yeseibo …………………. ……………….. Dean of Faculty of Humanities Signature Date External examiner ………………… ………………… Signature Date DEDICATION I dedicate this work of art to Almighty God for sustaining me with his steadfast love, mercy and grace. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I thank the Lord Almighty for his grace and mercy all through the course of this programme. I thank my wonderful supervisor Dr. B. O. Agbo for his guidance; encouragement and careful counseling made this project a master piece. My profound gratitude goes to my Head of department; Prof. E. N Oweleke and to all my lecturers in the department of Linguistics and Communication Studies; Prof. O. M Ndimele, Prof. W. C. Ihejirika, Prof. P. E. Ejele Prof. C. U. Omego, Prof. A. J. Udoudo, Prof. R. I. C. Alerechi, Prof. V. C. Onumajuru, Prof. C. I. Ochonogor. Prof. O. P. Ohiagu, Prof. E. Kari, Dr. A. C. Asadu, Dr. J. I Ayuwo, Dr. F. G. Nwachukwu, Dr. N.J. Usua, Dr. S. Ejeba, , Dr. S. C. Mbazie, Dr. E. Eze, Dr. (Mrs.) E. Obikudo, , Dr. A.A. Sado, , Dr. C. K. Ikems, Dr Osuagwu T. O, Dr. Osuagwu E. C., Dr. Moses O. Asak , Dr. I. H. Kasarachi, Pastor B. C. Iroham, Dr. F. Adekola, Dr. S. J. Fubara, Dr. Omojuniakanbi Ngozi, Dr. B. C. Ndinojuo, Dr. Samuel Otiko, and Miss. Oniel Faith. I am truly grateful. God bless you all. I am immensely thankful to my husband, daughter, parents and siblings whose encouragement gave me the strength I needed. Thank you for all the love, financial and moral support. I appreciate the contribution of my friends Gesiere and Zoey and class mates for all their love, support and encouragement through this work. Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the compliance to Nigeria Info 92.3fm Family Planning Awareness Programme on the behaviour of women in Woji community. The objective was to find out among others, how women in Woji community perceive radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3, if women in Woji community understand radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 and if women in Woji community are influenced by radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3. Development media, Selective influence and Uses and gratification theories were theoretical foundation of the study. A sample size of 399 was drawn from the population 74813 using Philip Taro Yamane’s formula, the sample size for the study was 384 and the sampling technique adopted was the cluster sampling technique. After the administration of the instrument a total of 388 copies were retrieved and only 352 copies were well filled and found useful for data analysis. The data were presented in frequency and simple percentage tables and weighted means score. The study revealed among others that women in Woji community perceived radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 to be informative, educative, healthy, very important, a must listen, Woji women can still remember any radio messages on family planning and that they understand the language used in sending messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 and that women in Woji community attested that radio programme on family planning influenced my decision to use family planning methods and Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning address any misconceptions or myths they had about family planning. The researcher therefore recommends among others, that efforts should be intensified in the awareness of family planning messages on radio and also in a language understandable to the audience CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the study The fast growing of population has become a problematic issue all over the world consequently. Most of the developed countries have approved and resorted to birth control or family planning. Family planning as a concept of social order is as old as the human race. It has been practiced in several ways by several sections and categories of the human race not withstanding ethnic, cultural and religious variations at varied times and for varied reasons. Family planning could be said to be a means of population control or in society, other than the use of natural controls like disease, war, famine and natural disasters. Family planning also helps couples space births, prevent unwanted pregnancies and avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIS) including HIV. Family planning as a policy is aimed at approving the ratio between resources and population. Health and family planning is a broad subject when considered in the human context because of the potential presence of disease of all types in human settlements. In most States in Nigeria, health and family planning activities are provided by the central Government, local authorities, churches, missions, industrial health units, private institutions and individuals. These schemes have invariably failed to serve majority of the population or even those in need. This is because big hospitals, and family planning centres are generally situated in a few urban hospitals and are therefore accessible to minority of the populace. Most people still have no medical services within effective reach of their homes. It is to be noted that formally the notion that having so many children stem from the need for farming and also because many children used to die at an early age, hence parents give birth to as many children as they can to be rest assured that no matter what not all the children would die. The high death rate during infancy and childhood was due to poor hygiene and inadequate medical care. Today, there is better health care and few children die young. Therefore, the needs for large families and having many children are no longer in vogue. Consequently, there has been concerted effort by government and medical care givers to sensitize the populace about the dangers of having so many children and the need to observe family planning method to curb the incidence of maternal maternity and other socio-economic woes faced by parents these days. Radio is of the broadcast genre. It is a very powerful mass medium because it is cheap, portable, and does not require literacy as a criterion for comprehension of its content. Over the years, the radio has gone through innovations that have made it better and relevant even in the face of the new media. The language used in radio broadcast is very simple.. Also, Nigerian Info 92.3 FM Port Harcourt, broadcasts contents only in Port Harcourt pidgin. Considering the power shortage in most part of the country, radio comes in handy because it does not require power to function. It can be powered with batteries. Unarguably, radio is pivotal for any campaign in the rural area because of these advantages. It is a veritable medium adopted for these campaigns by the concerned authorities. This study therefore is aimed at access compliance to Nigeria info 92.3fm family planning awareness programme on the behaviour of couples in Woji community. 1.2 Statement of the Problem In the past, the need for family planning had been rationalized by a significant number of women who state a desire to cease childbearing. However, despite this apparent unmet need for contraceptives, very little has been achieved in aggregate fertility reduction. However, several groups have created awareness on contraceptives using different media such as; television, blogs, internet, newspaper, magazine and even film. But sadly, most of their efforts are concentrated in urban areas thus, leaving women in rural areas behind. Many women neither have access to the internet to read publications on this issue nor are they literate enough to read newspapers and magazines. Many households in rural areas do not have television sets. Therefore, it is pertinent that women in rural areas be reached considering that the prevalence of birth control among rural women may be significantly higher than that among urban women. The crux of the matter then is; to find out if couples in Woji community compliance to Nigerian Info 92.3FM family planning awareness programme 1.3 Aims and objectives of the study The aim of the study was to assess compliance to Nigeria Info 92.3fm family planning awareness programme on the behaviour of couples in Woji community. Specifically, the objectives of the study are to: ascertain if couples in Woji are exposed to radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 find out how often couples in Woji are exposed to radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 examine how couples in Woji community perceive radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 know if couples in Woji community understand radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 Ascertain if couple in Woji community are influenced by radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 1.4 Research questions This study is emanated from the objectives seeks to answer the following questions: Are couples in Woji community exposed to radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3? How often are couples in Woji community exposed to radio messages on family planning programme? What are couples’ in Woji community perceptions of radio programme on family planning programm? Do couples in Woji community understood the radio programme on family planning programm? Are couples in Woji community influenced by radio programme on family planning programme? 1.5 Significance of study The outcome of the study will be useful to a lot of sectors of the country as it benefits all works of life. A major significance of this study is its helping to bridge the gap in knowledge occasioned by the paucity of studies examining adherence and compliance with family planning programme. This work will be of immense help to couples, governmental and non-governmental agencies who have an interest in launching awareness programme on contraceptives in rural areas showing them how radio as a mass communication tool is very strategic for this phenomenon. This work will equally be of benefit to the broadcast industry by throwing more light on how couple programmes can be effectively packaged in such a manner that it can be of benefit to people in rural areas. To the researchers and academics, the outcome will benefit researchers who seek additional information or look to conduct further studies on a similar matter that will have base research to begin from. It will provide researchers information on the importance of family planning programme and compliance. It is important for studies conducted to be of knowledge addition on a particular topic from what has already been researched on. Finally, this study will proffer solution, recommendation for future use and hopefully add to the body of existing literature in this field. It will reveal how media {Radio} programmes casts an eye on events that few of us directly experience and renders remote happening observable and meaningful, it will serve as a veritable reference material to UNICEF, practicing teachers, students, school administration parents and the entire society. 1.6 Scope of the study This study was delimited to adherence to Nigeria info 92.3FM family planning programme among couples in Woji community in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State. 1.7 Definition of terms The following terms used in the study are defined below. Assessment: It is evaluation or estimation of the value, importance, quality of something. Diffusion: The spreading of something more widely. Family planning: It means the effective planning of a family unit in such a way as to bring about a healthy development of the entire society at large through the family unit. Message: It is a communication containing some information, news, advice sent by the encoder to the decoder either through the print or electronic media. Radio: It can be said to be the most ubiquitous medium of broadcasting in Nigeria. It is a device that receives, transmits wireless signals (electromagnetic waves) moving through space. Radio is one of our most important means of communication that can reach a large audience even in the rural areas. Rural Areas: Settled places outside of cities and towns which are distinct from more intensively settled (Urban). CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction The relationship between the media and the society is symbiotic. The mass media affects the attitude of the society while the society in turn, shapes the content of media messages. This chapter comprises the theoretical review which examines the theories on which this work is based. The conceptual reviews explain various concepts while the empirical review looks at similar work done by various scholars and organizations. 2.1 Conceptual review 2.1.1 History of radio Radio began as early as 1887 with Henrich Hertz’s discovery of radio waves. Baran (2012) reports that; There remains a disagreement over who invented radio, Nikola Tesla or Guglielmo Marconi. However, Marconi is considered the father of modern radio because not only was he among the first to send signals through the air, he was adroit at gaining maximum publicity for his every success. Biagi (1994) adds that; two experimenters, Reginald Aubrey Fessenden and Lee De Forest advanced the Marconi discovery to create today’s radio. Radio began in Nigeria with the introduction of the Radio Distribution System (RDS) by the colonial government in 1933 in Lagos state. It relayed BBC’s radio programme for the listening public. Following the recommendations from the survey undertaken by Messrs and Turner, Nigeria Broadcasting Service (NBS) was established in April 1950. In 1957, the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) came into being by an Act of Parliament. In 1978, the re-organization of NBC brought forth Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN and it took over short wave transmission from the states. Presently, FRCN has its headquaters in Abuja with six (6) zonal stations and thirty-seven (37) FRCN stations across the country. It broadcasts in fifteen (15) languages. Also, five (5) of FRCN’s stations stream live audio on the internet at www.radionigeria.gov.ng. Currently, Nigeria boasts of over three hundred (300) radio stations with thirteen (13) of those stations situated in Rivers State. Out of these three hundred stations only three (3) broadcast in Amplitude Modulation. 2.1.2 Objectives of FRCN The objectives of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria include: To provide efficient broadcasting service to the whole federation of Nigeria based on natural objectives and aspirations and to external audience in accordance with Nigeria’s foreign policy. To provide a professional and comprehensive coverage of Nigeria’s culture through broadcasting to promote cultural growth through research into indigenous culture and to disseminate the results of such research. To contribute towards the development of the Nigerian society and to promote national unity by ensuring a balanced presentation of views from all parts of Nigeria. To ensure prompt delivery of accurate information to the people. To provide opportunity for free, enlightened and responsible discussion of important issues and to provide a two way contact between the public and those in authority. To provide special broadcasting services in the field of education and in all other areas where the national policy calls for special action. To provide the orderly and meaningful development of broadcasting in Nigeria through technical improvements and the training of appropriate professional staff, programme and other exchanges with other broadcasting organization in the country. To provide research into various aspects of the communication media and their effects on the Nigerian society (this will include audience research, the investigation of fresh methods of production and true indigenization of the broadcast media in Nigeria.) To ensure that the facilities and techniques of broadcasting in Nigeria keep pace with development in the world of communication( FM transmission, colour Television Etc) 2.1.3 Rural radio forum Rural radio reportedly started in the 1940s in Canada as Radio forum movement. It comprises a group of people listening to an agricultural programme on radio and afterwards, they discuss the programme, send questions and suggestions to the radio producers which will be answered in subsequent edition. Currently, rural radio is not just a medium for the discussion of agricultural programmes alone. It is now a vital tool for dissemination of vital information on different developmental issues. One important aspect of rural radio is that community members are actively involved in the process of producing radio programmes. Rural radio is tailored for rural dwellers with the aim of addressing specific developmental needs such as maternal health, education and agriculture. For a rural radio to be successful, it must take the audience needs into consideration and promote active participation of the rural dwellers. 2.1.4 Features of Rural Broadcast Media Broadcast signals are transmitted through electromagnetic waves which travel at a very high speed and a great distance. This implies that rural dwellers can equally receive broadcast signals. This barrier cannot be bridged by the print media. Print media requires literacy as a requisite for decoding of its messages but many rural dwellers are illiterates. 2.1.5 Advantages of Radio over other Broadcast Media Radio is cheap. It does not cost much to purchase a radio set and once purchased, it does not require subscription like the cable television and internet. The language of radio is simple. It does not require literacy to decode its messages. Radio is portable. Some radio sets come in form of a walkman which can be carried about. Also, mobile phones which are highly portable are equipped with radio too. Radio is supplemental. Unlike, other mediums, it does not require captivity. Radio can be listened to while engaged in other activities like driving or walking. Radio does not require electricity for its operation. This is a great advantage to rural dwellers who do not have constant access to electricity. 2.1.6 Issues affecting Radio Listenership amongst Rural area. Radio is a powerful tool in more marginalized areas where access to other information technologies might be difficult. (Cheung 2002). This has increased tremendously the level of listenership in rural areas. In Africa, the level of radio listenership is quite high. People depend on the radio for different purposes such as news, information, entertainment, and relaxation purposes. Baum (2008) in Maina (2013) adds that radio promotes issues of agriculture, gender equality, education, trade and commerce. He further adds that it enhances the capability of local people to work together to tackle a range of social problems. Pannengpetch (1984) analyzed the nature of radio listenership amongst Thai women in rural areas. His study revealed the following: Women seldom listen to the radio in the early hours of the morning. This is so because they are busy with household chores. Women listen to the radio between 9am and 12pm when preparations for morning meals are over. Between the hours of 12 noon to 1pm, women rarely listen again due to preparations for lunch. He noted that this free period (between 9am and12pm) are when serial radio plays are aired because women are the target audience. (p258). The place or location determines if a woman will listen to the radio or not. Pannengpetch(1984) study revealed that the rural communities under study were highly traditional and frowns at women listening to radios in certain places such as coffee shop,cars, parks and public routes. Women only listened to radio in their homes or salon.(p262). Proximity to other people. The study revealed that the women listen to the radio better when they are alone. When women are in groups, they are mostly engaged in conversations and the radio is a little more than background noise (p265) 2.1.7 Radio as a Medium for Rural Development An empirical study carried out and reported by UNESCO on rural communication which buttresses the effectiveness of radio, is the radio farms forums for rural development carried out in Ghana between 1964 and 1965. The experiment showed that radio broadcasting when skillfully used can be an effective medium of communication for rural development. (Akosa 2012). She further adds that similar researches have been conducted in Nigeria. “Don Manuma”, an innovative agricultural programme was aired in radio Kaduna. It taught rural peasants the procedure for mechanized farming and how to cater for new crops. Findings reveal that the programme attracted satisfactory response and participation from rural dwellers. A similar study conducted in the defunct Bendel state with the aim of finding out which of the mediums rural dwellers depended on for information on development projects revealed that 80% of the villagers depended on the radio (Moemeka 1989 in Akosa 2012). This shows that rural dwellers value messages from radio and adopt the practices embedded in radio messages. In support of the effectiveness of radio as a medium for rural development, Pannengpetch (1984) adds that radio helps rural audience members adopt new innovations or approach. He also states that there is a significant correspondence between radio listening and subsequent adoption of certain innovation. Radio programmes helps villagers more directly with advice and special education programmes and makes education more generally available (pannenpetch 1984). 2.1 8 Family Planning Family planning is the voluntary pre-pregnancy planning and action of people to prevent, delay or achieve a pregnancy. It is also so fundamental step to improving health outcomes for women and children. Family planning is one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th Century (Abayomi, 2001). According to researchers, a woman is fertile for an average of thirty-five (35) years of her life, if she has two children, she will spend about thirty (30) years of her life, avoiding pregnancy and living a healthy life. Obasanjo (1979) stated in his statement that there cannot be improvement in the quality of life if we continue to increase and multiply indiscriminately without adequately providing for education, food, health care service and others. A fast population growth rate is one of the impediments of a country’s economic growth or developments. One of the problems of underdeveloped countries like Nigeria is population explosion. According to Ewa and Agu (1999) Nigeria has made appreciable gains in income, but most of the gains have been eaten up (literally) by the increasing population. One of the measures that can be taken to eradicate the problem of rapid population growth, which causes poverty, loss of lives through infant mortality and maternal mortality is family planning. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a population of about 160,003,542. According to researchers, Nigeria has high annual population rate of 3.5% and a total fertility rate of 6 live births per woman. The country also has a relatively high level of infant mortality (104 infant deaths per 1000 live births) and maternal mortality rate (800 deaths per 1000 live births). In response to these and other serious demographic and health issue, the Nigerian government put up a national policy on family size on the 4th of February 1988 although it is yet to be implemented. According to Rosier (1988), a level of encouragement is needed to limit the number of our children because our nation needs to plan its population to ensure that it does not go beyond its means. This can be achieved through the practice of birth control. Contraceptive technology have made considerable advance which led to the development of two reliable methods of fertility control. Acording to David (1984), the two reliable methods of fertility control are: hormonal contraception which includes pills and injections and intrauterine developers (IUD). Other methods of birth control are: Sterilization: for couples who never want to have more children Condom Contraceptive Rhythm Abstinence Furthermore, it is pertinent to know that the media tries to stimulate the interest of men to know more about family planning and also to create awareness and knowledge about contraceptive methods, especially male methods and the benefits of family planning for men who include psychological well being, economic respect and pride associated with maintaining a happy and settled home. 2.1.9 Family Planning Messages on Radio Well-designed mass media campaigns have proved their ability to increase the use of family planning in Nigeria. Between 1985 and 1988, radio promotion of family planning in the cities of Ilorin, Ibadan and Enugu helped increase the numbers of new and continuing contraceptive users Piotrow et al., (1990). About half of respondents surveyed reported having heard family planning messages on radio; of these listeners, more than two-thirds recalled the specific clinics promoted. In Bornu State meanwhile, a mass media campaign involving radio and an advocacy forum with religious leaders showed similar results. The number of first time users in sentinel clinics rose by 24% over pre-campaign levels, and the number of continuing users rose to 37% (Kiragu and Omotara, 1992). Research in other African countries confirms the strong association between exposure to family planning messages and contraceptive use. According to data from the 1989 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Kenya, women who were exposed to mass media messages were more likely than their peers who had not been exposed, to use family planning and modern methods (Westoff and Rodriguez, 1995). Non users who had been exposed to family planning messages on radio were more likely to report that they intended to use contraception in the future. Family planning messages were also associated with a desire to space or to limit pregnancies. DHS data from Nigeria reports similar findings. The 1990 survey that every use of contraceptives was 8-2 percent points higher among women who were exposed to family planning messages than among their unexposed counterparts. The gap was even greater, fully 10 percent points for current use of contraceptives. As for non-users, 37% of those exposed to family planning messages said that they intended to use contraceptives compared with only 19% of non users who had not seen or heard the messages (Bankole et al., 1993). Nigeria is a well-recognized economic and political force in Africa, and with a population of 98.1 million people, it is the most populous nation on the African continent (PRB, 1994). Because the mass media are fairly wide spread in Nigeria, they are important vehicles for disseminating information about family planning to this large population. For instance, radio broadcasting is the primary channel that rural communities rely on for information. Radio especially can reach people and be effectively used in many countries as an instrument for development communication. Its use can be in the form of “open broadcasting” in which regular information and family planning messages are routinely sent out without any organized follow up. It can take the forum or listening group approach or a combination of the two approaches; but stretching over a short period of time and dealing with specific topics like family planning, according to professor Ansah who illustrates this use of radio with the example of “Radio Educative Rural (RER)” of Senegal which served as a forum of dialogue. Nigeria has 81 radio transmitters and there are 171 radios and 27 televisions per 1,000 population-higher ratios than most sub Saharan African countries (United Nations, 1992). A survey of the rural areas found that nearly 90 percent of all households have radios and 40 percent own television sets (RMS, 1990). Since almost every state has its own radio station, it is possible to broadcast on a regional as well as a national basis. 2.1.10 Family Planning Awareness Generally According to United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO 1988), ever since the birth of the international Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) on the 29th November, several countries of the world including Nigeria has embarked on family planning programmes. Nwangor (1985), states that in the Anglophone countries of Africa where emphasis is still very strong based on family poanning as part of maternal and child care, there has not yet been enough support for a family planning programme aimed at reading the rate of population growth. Smith (1973), suggests that family planning in Nigeria came into existence only twelve years after the IPPF, 1965 and public opinion in Nigeria throughout the decade was much more concerned with the population balance among the country’s various regions and particularly between the Muslim north and Christian south and also with the overall rate of growth of the country’s population. He went further to say that in Nigeria, the need for the provision of family planning service was recognized in the country’s post civil war development plan of 1970-1975, and by the last two years of the decade, the leaders of some other African common wealth countries had development interest in family planning. According to Ilori (1981), the years following the 1960s and into the early 1980s, the continued call by knowledgeable individuals and informed organizations change the Nigerian government’s attitudes positively towards family planning. She went further to state that it should be noted that the knowledge and actual practice of the different methods depend to a large extent on the accessibility of the individual to family planning messages. According to her, the factors which influence the accessibility include; formal education, urban residents gain full non-manual employment outside the home and availability of medical advice. Despite these pioneer efforts by individuals and organizations for government acceptance and support of the family planning as a means of population control and family health, Ikhurionan (1989), notes that the first Nigerian government policy on population control came in 1988. According to him, this was probably motivated by the harsh economic condition in the country. The policy of government which initially provided for four children to a woman, according to him, later modified to four children to a family. This was caused by public and media criticisms. He further stated that the government has not only improved on its initial policy but has followed it up with positive action. He concluded that government’s efforts to create impact in family planning programmes brought about the establishment of one hundred family planning centres in the military barracks across the country. Of this number, according to this source, eighty-eight are already functioning throughout the country and the others are in the process of being established. A research carried out by Udoji (1987) on the obstacles to successful fertility control in Nigeria, shows that many Nigerians are ignorant of the functions of their reproductive organs, the mode of contraceptive use the methods of contraception. This people therefore, cannot understand the family planning programmes. He concluded that even when they decide to practice, failure rates are bound to be high and this may discourage them from further participation. The above finding is similar to the survey made by Zeinik (1987) on the probabilities of intercourse and contraceptives among United States women. It suggested that one of the reasons given for a large number of accidental pregnancies among married women is ignorance and misinformation concerning the basic issues of reproduction. The risk of pregnancy and the principle of contraception contributed to the relatively high incidence of initial and subsequent unwanted pregnancy among women. According to a paper published by Abiodun (19866), it is suggested that the bulk of culprits of ineffective practitioners of family planning in Nigeria stem from the rural areas. To West (1971), most of the women that would fail in the implementation of family planning in Nigeria would come from the illiterate folks of the society. Freeman (1974) holds that the impact of sex preference on fertility behaviour and family planning and also its preference for some contributed greatly to adoption of family planning. This according to him is in contrast to what is obtainable in most developed countries. 2.1.11 The Adherence of Family Planning Messages The main objective of media promotion of family planning is to educate the audience and to motivate them to act positively toward family planning, therefore it is widely supported. It was common then among students because they learned about it in schools and older women went to herbalists for traditional methods. But no one wants to go to the herbalists anymore, therefore the government came out with the modern system. Knowledge of family planning messages became widespread and people began to use it. This was done through the help of family support programme (FSP). The family support programme (FSP) contributed a lot in enlightening our women on the importance of adopting family planning. The family support programme derives its philosophical basis from the belief that for the welfare of every human being, his family and kinship should practice family planning. The objectives of the family support programme include: To promote decent health care delivery and reduce maternal and child mortality through improved health care system To eradicate negative social and cultural factors affecting women and children To help family members learn more about psychological dynamics of families as units from which effective social organization and responsibility can emerge. A survey carried out by Olukoje (1982(), reveals that there was a change of attitude of men to family planning compared to previous studies. according to him, out of every ten men nine supported family planning messages for child spacing and also that seven out of every ten supported limited family size. 2.1.12 Effect of awareness of family planning messages on women Government of third world countries having realized the need for supportive efforts on family planning, have begun the utilization of the media and other means for disseminating information on women awareness of family planning programmes. Prior to this period, there has been considerable hesitance about using the mass media and other means to promote family planning. In 1968, the IPPF begun a pioneering weekly programme, the happy family clubs, which include information on a variety of topics related to home management, agriculture and child rearing with a rather minor emphasis on family planning. In Nigeria, according to the programme aired form Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) radio 1, Enugu entitled “Ezi na uno” an Igbo language soap portrays the inherent problem of couples who have more children than they can adequately cater for and at the same time show the happiness, but content family who gave their children good education, health care and other paternal care because they could afford it. Similarly, radio Nigeria on family planning discussion, enlighten listeners on various methods of birth control. Also a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Enugu programme entitled “in a higher mood” teaches viewers on the importance of family planning. Nwangoro (1985) stated that a financial boost of N208 million aid from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had been promised the Nigerian environment to enhance family planning programme in the aspect of the campaign for the aid being extended to Nigeria is the expansion of health services mostly by diffusion of messages about the programme. The scheme will be coordinated by the ministries of health and the IPPFN and there will be regular supply of contraceptives and invigorated radio programmes on family planning. Berrigan (1977) advocated the use of the mass media (radio) for family planning programmes to promote family planning campaign. In his book “A manual on mass media population and development”, he examined the extent to which the mass media functions effectively to ensure information flows to the audience for family planning programmes and concluded that the media in conjunction with other social variables also persuade the audience to accept family planning messages. On communication about family planning, he further explained that family planning through the media must be timed to match the availability of services communication. Urging people to use family planning facilities can do more harm than good if services cannot cope with the result and demand. For example a radio programme describing the benefits of family planning messages will fail if contraceptives are not readily available either for free or at a cost people can afford. Berrigan (1977) observes that family planning diffusion can inform, interest, motivate and guide. Although they cannot alone make people act. In persuading people to adopt a new personal practice such as family planning, no media can replace a person to person communication. He concluded by saying that the mass media provide a channel of communication flow in one direction from the communicator to the audience. Those using mass media for family planning must devise a means of measuring their impact and allowing feedback of audience reaction and needs. Despite the result of Berrigan’s study, Klapper (1960) stated that media no doubt have a reasonable society. He went further to define the impact of mass communication as changes in attitudes and behaviour in individuals as a result of exposure to persuasive messages carried by the media. His research finding became the conclusion about the ability of the mass media to affect the attitudes and behaviour of individuals. He further suggests that information in Nigeria, as a means of creating an impact through media especially on the poor area and rural population should be diffused not only in English language, but also in a language understandable to the audience. The message should be redistributed with the socio-cultural norms of the audience in the mind. Smith (1973) expressed the view where there are taboos or strong barriers against free communication as is likely to be the case in regard to sexual matters states of ignorance are likely to develop, and that in such situation only persuasive communication will serve. He further went to say that the extent such constellations of misinformation prevails, programmes that seek to induce free-communication can contribute norms. He concluded that both the motivational structure of the target population and the political implication any planning change may in many ways be more important than the particular communication strategy a change agent chooses to exploit. Daramola (1988) observed that creating an impact through the mass media can directly influence the way people perceive, think about and ultimately act in their world. But the earlier focus on persuasion and attitude change has given way to a belief that the mass media can gradually influence the consciousness and world view of the audience. He went further to explain that cognitive impacts with mass communicator’s influence on how people perceive more important attention from many researches. He concluded that other healthy trends which include increased attention to contingent conditions underlying media assessment and growing attention to process of mass diffusion of messages by the audience. 2.1.13 Possible problems associated with family planning message The barriers encountered often pertained more to actual delivery of family planning messages. These barriers included user complaints from side effects or condom breakage as well as barriers relating to the price and supply of contraceptive methods. In terms of common problems faced in family planning messages, we have method-related side effects and user complaints. Also in addition to this, individuals mentioned low demand for family planning in rural areas of Nigeria which some attributes to religious and cultural norms that promote large families in some cases forbid the use of contraceptives. Some raised suplly side issues as well as price of contraceptives as a problem faced in family planning. Furthermore, injectable, most centering around weight change and abnormal menses. A few providers also received complaints regarding the IUD though these were few, reflecting the low use of this method in Nigeria. Thus both those real and perceived remain a substantial challenge in family planning messages. 2.1.14 Better Life for Rural Residents The better life for rural dwellers movement started with the first ever workshop titled “A better life programme for rural women”, held in Abuja in September, 1987 women representing Nigeria’s 304 Local Government Areas gathered to identify and find solutions to their problems. The workshop was aimed at providing for the evaluation and distribution of rural products, recreational facilities for women, health and educational facilities on family planning, labour saving devices and the general provision of infrastructure for a better life. Under the leadership of Mrs Maryann Babangida, were then mandated to form similar teams in the states and to interact and educate rural women in order to assess their problems and link them with the relevant government agencies which find solution. Better life became a movement whose unexpected success and impact with rural women responding enthusiastically as if to say at last this is what we have been waiting for. Almost all the state governments responded positively to develop and promote rural development and education of women to family activities (Ugwu, 1988). Adedeji (1987) stated that the rural women are child-producing machines that rarely break down and they are so committed to their biological roles of producing children that they fail to notice when enough is enough, until nature tells them to stop. He went further to highlight the need for education of rural women because such education will help to discover themselves, break the yoke of out dated custom and tradition, family planning expanded programme on immunization (EPI) and oral rehydration therapy (ORT). 2.1.15 Radio as an Effective means of Communication in the Rural Area Radio communication is one of the fastest, powerful, inexpensive and in many countries the only way of communication with the rural people. It reaches people of all cultural, social, educational and economic levels very quickly. Hasan and Khusshid (1994) have depicted the Pakistani scene, saying that the bulk of population of the country lives in rural areas where facilities in the field of education are very scanty and limited. Unlike the printed words and other media world and other media communication, radio enjoys the unique advantage so of reaching the far flung areas and messages can be easily understood by everyone as it requires no prior standard of education and knowledge. According to Karachi Sindb, secretary for information Qazi Shahid pervaiz said that radio is effective means of communication in the present century because of its access to the common man. He said that electronic media brought a revolution and the cable network became a household item. However, inspite of this, there was no decline in the popularity of radio. He also said that the number of listeners of radio is largest in the world and the introduction of Fm Radio has further enhanced the number of listeners. He was also of the view that the significance of radio was more in the rural areas, therefore opined that the community radio should be promoted so that the problems of the people be resolved at the local level. Radio is the perfect medium for mass communication. If we compare it to other mass media, radio consistently ranks as the most popular means of disseminating information, regardless of the continent. What makes radio particularly appealing to research projects, however, is its interactivity, its capacity to provoke dialogue and to solicit the participation of local populations. FAO’s extension, Education and communication service summarizes the most important functions of rural radio as follows: A tool for democratization A platform for the expression of ideas and opinions An alternative media to the imperfections An angent of social change A channel for the diffusion of information on rural issues like family planning A conflict management tool A tool that can be used for training and the transfer and exchange of knowledge and technologies A channel for interactive communication, dialogue and debate on the major issues of rural development. A medium to collect local information on social issues, which is essential for defining, planning and implementing local development efforts. Radio may also be used to provide basic education to disadvantaged adults in a community. Mohanty (1998) mentions that educational broad casting is required to be a potential instrument of educational advancement and an integralcomponent of educational inputs in traditional as well as distance education or other alternative learning systems for different categories of learners. 2.1.16 Modern Methods of Family Planning This section investigates the types and methods available presently in family planning. Two terms are of crucial importance in the investigation of the type of family planning available to the contemporary men. These terms are; intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Contraceptive describes an agent used to prevent conception e.g. condom, spermicide, vaginal pessary or creatm, rubber cervical cap, intrauterine device, combined oral contraceptive etc. The intrauterine devices are devices which are implanted in the cavity of the uterus to prevent conception. Its exact mode of action is not known but there are over 60 different forms known by the international planning parenthood federation. The intrauterine growth retardation (IUGUR) is associated with a poor foetal transfer from the placental area. Here, serial ultrasonography is recommended for high risk mothers. Spermicide or spermatocide is an agent that is introduced to kill spermatozoa, this could be in form of pills and injectable drugs or cream jellies. Vaginal pessary is a medicated suppository used to treat vaginal infection or as a contraceptive. Combined oral contraceptive on the other hand is commonly referred to as the pill, such as oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen is a generic term referring to overian hormones. Three classical are Oesterone and Oestradiol. But Oestrogen and progesterone are given from soon after menstruation. At the dose chosen, te hormones prevent the release of the follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones, so that ovulation is prevented. In addition, they alter te lining of te uterus so that it is not receptive to a fertilized egg and they alter te secretions of the cervix so that they become thick and sticky. This prevents most spermatozoa from travelling upwards from the vagina and entering the cavity of the uterus. The “combined” hormonal contraceptives protect women from unwanted pregnancies in these three ways. But if a woman takes the pill by mouth, she must remember to take a pill everyday as the hormones are rapidly reactivated in her body and the level may fall too low for the protection to occur, should she miss more than two days. The pill is taken each day for 21 days and then stopped for 7 days, but in most formulations sugar pills are given for the 7 days so that the woman takes a pill every day. The second type of hormonal contraceptive avoids the use of Oestrogen, and contains only the progesterone-substitute which is called progestogen. The progesteron hormonal contraceptives do not prevent ovulation consistently, but do alter the secretions of the cervix so that the sperm has difficulty in wriggling through. The hormone also alters the lining of the uterus so that the egg, if fertilized is unable to implant itself. The progestogen hormone can be taken by mouth each day or can be given by injection at one monthly, three monthly or six monthly intervals. Diaphragm is a rubber cap, which encircles the cervix to act as a contraceptive; it is used with a spermicide jelly. Norplant contraceptive is a preparation of levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel is a hormone widely used in oral contraceptives. In recent times, there has been research into a preparation of six small rubber capsules containing levonorgestrel. They are inserted under the skin of a woman’s forearm. The implants release small amounts of the drug which is used to control pregnancy. The effect is achieved in 24 hours and lasts for five years. Vasectomy is a surgical method of contraceptive for men that merely prevent the sperm from being ejaculated. Increasing numbers of men are becoming interested in vasectomy as the operation provides an easy, relatively painless method of making man sterile without interfering with the couple’s sexual enjoyment. The principle of vasectomy is to cut a small segment out of the vas deferens, the narrow tube which carries the spermatozoa from the testicles, where they are produced, to the area of the prostrate gland where they mature. The operation takes about 15 minutes and throughout the world about 10 million operations are done each year. The calender method: if a woman is prepared to use the calendar method for over a period of six menstrual cycles to record the duration of each cycle, she can determine her own safe period by calculating the date of ovulation in each cycle and then subtracting three days from that day in the shortest cycle and adding three days in the longest cycle. If a woman has a cycle of less than 20days, she will only be able to have ‘safe’ sexual intercourse at infrequent intervals and sexual frustration is likely to occur. Pilling method: The woman learns to examine her vaginal orifice for the presence of mucus. Immediately after a menstrual period the vaginal orifice feels dry; but as ovulation time approaches, mucus can be detected. The peak of the clear mucus is reached on the day of ovulation, after which the mucus cloudy again. Coitus is “safe” when there is no mucus and more than three days after the last day of clear mucus. If couples avoid coitus whenever there is any mucus, the woman will avoid pregnancy. Withdrawal method: For many years withdrawal of the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation has been used to avoid pregnancy. In several investigations made in the days before the pills became available, it was found to be the most usual method adopted. It relies of course on the ability of the man to recognize the sensations which occur in his genitals just before ejaculation, and for him to rapidly withdraw his penis from the vagina and ejaculate outside, but this requires great self control. Female condom: Condoms for men have been around for a long time but nowadays there are also female condoms Avert Org, states that the US food AND Drug Administration (FDA) approved female condoms in 1993. The female condom is a good last minute alternative when dealing with a partner who does not have a condom or won’t wear one. It is a polyurethane pouch with rings at the front and end side. One side gets inserted into the vagina while the other stays just outside the entrance of the vagina. If used correctly, either the female or male latex condom can play a dual role of protection against STD and HIV infection and preventon of conception. They can be used alone or in combination with another method to increase effectiveness. Only water-based lubricants should be used with condoms. The morning after pill: This can also be called emergency contraception. It can be used if one had unprotected sex and fears to be pregnant. The morning-after pill is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. The pill contains progesterone, estrogen or both. It works either by delaying ovulation, preventing ovulation or inhibiting implantation. Two commonly used morning-after pills are proven and plan B. plan B is a back-up form of birth control. Its purpose is to prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex. The patch, also called by its brand name, Ortho Evra, is a skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, outer arm or upper body. It releases the hormones progestine and estrogen into the bloodstream to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the spermatozoa from joining with the egg. One puts on a new patch once a week for 3 weeks. It is not advisable to use a patch the fourth week in order to have a period. Also women are advised to wait three weeks after giving to begin using birth control that contains both estrogen and progestin. These methods increase the risk of dangerous blood clots that could form after giving births. Women who delivered by caesarean section or have other risk factors for blood clots such as obesity, history of blood clots, smoking or preeclampsia, should wait six weeks. Shot/Injection: The birth control shot often is called by its brand name dep-provera. With this method, you get injections or shots of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every 3 months. A new type is injected under the skin. The birth control shot stops the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women. It also causes damages in the cervix that keeps the sperms from joining with the eggs. The shot should not be used more than 2 years in a row because it can cause a temporary loss of bone density. The loss increases the longer the method is used. The bone does start to grow after this method is stopped. But it may increase the risk of fracture and osteoporosis if used for a long time. Implantable rod: This is a match stick size flexible rod that is put under the skin of the upper arm. It is often called by its brand name; implanon. The rod releases a progestin which causes changes in the lining of the uterus and cervical mucus to keep the sperm from joining an egg. Less often, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. It is effective for up to 5 years. Sterilization implant (Essure) is the first non-surgical method of sterilizing women. A thin tube is used to thread a tiny spring like device through the vagina and uterus into each fallopian tube. The device works by causing scar tissue to form around the coil. This blocks the fallopian tubes and stops the egg and sperm from joining. It can take about 3 months for scar tissue to grow, so it is important to use another form of birth control during this time. Then you will have to return to your doctor for a test to see if the scar tissue has fully blocked your tubes. Surgical sterilization (for women):In this method the fallopian tubes are cut, tied or sealed. This stops the eggs from going down to the uterus where they can be fertilized. The surgery can be done in a number of ways, sometimes a woman having caesarean birth has the procedure done at the same time, so as to avoid having additional surgery later. 2.2 Theoretical Framework 2.2.1 Development media theory It is one of the latest additions to the normative theories of the press. These theories give insight to the type of systems (government) operating in a state, and the relationship that ought to exist between media and society. The development media theory was propounded by Denis McQuail in 1987. Its main crux is the advocacy for the positive use of media to promote national development, autonomy and cultural identity in developing countries (Fourie, 2007). The media are expected to emphasize in their reports issues and ideas that bring about economic development in the society they operate. According to Baran and Davis (2003) posit that when media supports an existing government and its efforts to bring about national economic development, they in turn aid the society. They believe that until a nation is well established and its economic development in progress, media must be supportive of the systems, rather than being critical of every move of the government. This development can be in the area of the general health of members of the society, their finance, or improvement in infrastructure and social amenities. Not only did Nwachukwu, Asak and Asadu (2013) agree with them that the theory emphasizes the acceptance of economic development as overlapping objectives and in like manner expecr media to give its total support to the attainment of these objectives. They cited Okunna (1999) as saying that the concepts of development journalism and development communication are off shoots of the development media theory. Development journalism has to do with paying sustained attention to the coverage of ideas , policies and issues that contribute to positive improvement of people’s lives, while development communication on the other hand is concerned with the use of communication c to bring about transformation of a country, and its inhabitants. This means that journalist dedicated coverage of health issues has the capacity to bring about a change in the lives of people, and also brings about development in the society. Communication is at the center of development media theory and its emphasis should be on meeting the needs of all members of the society and not that of certain individuals (politicians). . The following are the basic assumptions of development media theory as put together by Denis McQuail: The media should make a positive contribution to the national development process. The state should be able to restrict the media if the economic interests and the development needs of the society at stake. The media should give preference to information about national, cultural and language issues. The media should also give preference to information about other developing countries that are geographically, culturally, and politically akin to one another. To protect development objectives, the state has the right to intervene by restricting and censoring the media. From the foregoing, we can deduce that using media to promote national development is at the center of this theory and that their activities according to McQuail should be monitored in such a way that that it is in favour of government policies and objectives. Critics according to Baran and Davis (2003) say that journalists should never surrender the power to criticize government policies, even if it risks causing the policies to fail. Anaeto, Onabanjo, and Osifeso (2008) cited Folarin (2002) as asserting to the fact the media should not allow itself to be controlled by the government. This is because ‘nothing in the origin, basis and principle of development media theory should be interpreted as shielding media and journalists from social responsibility or ousting the concept of press freedom’. He believes that media and journalists as members of the society should cover stories that contribute positively towards the development of the society and their rights to communicate should not be impinged upon by the government. 2.2.2 Uses and gratification theory This theory explains the uses and functions of the media for individual groups and society in general (Wood 2000). The theory looks at why people attend to certain media content and perceive it the way they do. The uses and gratification theory was propounded by Elihu Katz, Jay Blumer, and Michael Gurevitch in the year 1974. Dominick (1990), in its simplest form, the uses and gratification theory states that audience members have certain needs or drives that are satisfied by using both media and non-media sources. The theory suggests that there is highly active audience making use of the media for different purposes designed to satisfy needs such as, entertainment, information and identification. In this model, the individual has power to select the media text that best suits his/her needs and attempts to satisfy their needs. The psychological basis for this model is the hierarchy of needs identified by Maslow. Blumer and Katz (1990) said that audience gratification could be desired from these distinct sources, they are media content, exposure to media parse and the social context that typifies the situation of exposure to media. In essence, the needs and aspirations of the audience, their believe and attitudes will determine their media choice. Hence, audience will perceive higher the media that provides gratification for their needs and aspirations and identifies with their belief system and attitudes. According to Mcquails (1978), uses and gratification is a version of individual function theory and its research that seeks to explain media use and satisfaction derived from them in terms of the motive and self-perceived needs of audience members. He added that mass media use could stand for a process in which certain content is consumed under certain conditions, fulfilling certain functions and to which are tied certain expectations for gratification. It should be considered that people watch television progrommes for different reasons. It could be to actually learn something, experience something as the case may be. For this study, the uses and gratification theory is very essential as perception of the media or the way media is perceived depends largely on what the viewers use the media for. Perception is directly related to the need or satisfaction that is derived from whatever we expose ourselves. Core Assumptions and Statements The uses and gratification approach has an individualistic standpoint. Originally, it examined the purpose that the media use serves for individuals (Rubin, 2002). This is a micro-level approach, focusing explicitly on an individual level of analysis. Uses and gratifications allow variance for individual differences and examine needs and motivations of viewers when determining the outcome of their media use. This perspective evolved as a reaction to a mechanistic view of media effects. It asked: how does the media influence people (Rubin, 2002). New questions were being asked such as: How do people use the media? Why do people use the media? The uses and gratification approach has four basic assumptions (McQuail, 2000). First, the audience is active in their decisions of media content, and content is selected for a purpose, whether it is to satisfy a goal, motivation, or need. Instead of passive recipients of mediated messages, individuals are empowered when it comes to their relationship with the media. Second, individuals are conscious of their needs and goals, and they base their media viewing preferences on the satisfaction of these needs. The uses and gratifications approach also assumes that individuals are aware of their motivations, and they can report them to a researcher. Individuals are thought to base their media related needs in terms of motivations (McQuail, 2000). These motivations are thought to arise through individual circumstances as well as social circumstances. The third assumption is that these motivations drive individual media choices more than any other aesthetic or cultural influence. It stresses the importance of the individual, as egocentric in nature, and as individual motivations are important when examining media decisions. The last assumption is that psychological determinants of media use can be measured. The uses and gratification approach assumes that individuals are conscious of their motivations, and that they can be observed and measured as quantifiable data. There have been several criticisms leveled against the uses and gratifications approach (Rubin, 2002). First, the approach has been criticized for being too individualistic. The approach does not account for broader cultural and societal influences on individuals. Second, the assumption that audience as active has been critiqued. The criticism is that we cannot assume that people are active in their media experiences, especially television. Thirdly, uses and gratifications have been criticized for a lack of clear central constructs. There is no fundamental measure that is consistent across researchers to measure motivations, uses, or gratifications. Each researcher seems to conceptualize and measure these components differently. Despite these criticisms, uses and gratifications provides a useful perspective because it allows us to account for individual differences in effects based on media motives. 2.2.2 Selective influence theory A category for communication research generally known as attitude change research has focused on the phenomenon that different individuals may receive the same message but act on it quite differently. This research groups under the heading of selectivity. The studies of American researcher Carl Hovland in particular concluded that people are very selective in how they use media, in the topics they expose themselves to, in how they interpret information, and in how they retain information obtained through the media. Prominent among the most important aspects of selectivity are the theories of selective exposure, selective perception and selective retention. Selective exposure theory observes that people will seek out not only topics of interest to them but more importantly viewpoints with which they expect to agree. Thus they use to the media to reinforce existing biases. On occasions when people seek out opposing points of view, they often do so not with an open mind but rather for the purpose of hearing what the other side has to say so they can refute it later. This aspect of selectivity will be fully discussed later in this section. Selective perception theory observes that people often interpret facts to suit their existing biases. People hear what they want to hear and what they expect to hear. Thus, the same information may carry different meaning for different people, particularly people with differing political, religious, cultural, ethnic, national or other substantial differences. Selective retention theory notes that people remember messages that support their opinion longer than they remember opposing messages, which often unconsciously are forgotten and set aside. As with selective exposure and selective perception, selective retention is likely to reinforce existing beliefs and attitudes. Such tendencies make it less likely that the media can play a solo role in changing attitudes and behaviour. This work makes a concentration on the aspect of Selective Perception. The Selective Perception aspect holds that the media will present messages to the society but such messages are interpreted selectively. The selective interpretation lies in variation in habits of perception among members of society. The variations occur because every individual has a beliefs, values and attitudes acquired through learning. Because perception is also selective, interpretation, retention and response is also selective (Griffin, 2013). Media is not just uniform or direct but influences are selective. Selective perception is the tendency not to notice and more quickly forget stimuli that cause emotional discomfort and contradict our prior beliefs. For example, a teacher may have a favorite student because they are biased by in-group favoritism. The teacher ignores the student's poor attainment. Conversely, they might not notice the progress of their least favorite student (Griffin, 2013). Steven Lucas Counselling (2009) describes Selective perception is the process by which individuals perceive what they want to in media messages while ignoring opposing viewpoints. It is a broad term to identify the behaviour all people exhibit to tend to "see things" based on their particular frame of reference. It also describes how we categorize and interpret sensory information in a way that favours one category or interpretation over another. In other words, selective perception is a form of bias because we interpret information in a way that is congruent with our existing values and beliefs. Psychologists believe this process occurs automatically (http://counsellingcentral.com/psychology-definition-of-the-week-selective-perception). Selective perception may also be seen as any type of cognitive biases in psychology related to the way expectations affect perception. Human judgment and decision making is distorted by an array of cognitive, perceptual and motivational biases, and people tend not to recognize their own bias, though they tend to easily recognize (and even overestimate) the operation of bias in human judgment by other people Pronin, (2007). One of the reasons this might occur might be because people are simply bombarded with too many stimuli every day to pay equal attention to everything, therefore, they pick and choose according to their own needs. Selective perception, when done consciously, may lead to "seeing" things that the person wants to see and disregarding the opposite of such. A classic research on selective perception included subjects from Princeton University and Dartmouth University. The respondents were asked to watch a film of a football game between Princeton and Dartmouth. The results showed that the Dartmouth subjects reported noticing almost twice as much infraction in the rules by the Princeton team as that which was perceived by the Princeton viewers regarding the Dartmouth team. In this case, the subjects experience selective perception relative to the opposing team. 2.3 Empirical review 2.3.1 The linkages between socioeconomic characteristics, attitudes, and familial contraceptive use. This paper examines works carried out by Professor Mustapha C. Duze, and Dr. Ismaila Z. Mohammed, of Bayero University, Kano. Past family planning programs in Nigeria have been mainly directed toward women. However, because northern Nigeria (and to a slightly lesser extent all of Nigeria) remains a patrilineal society characterized by early age at marriage for women, men at present continue to determine familial fertility and contraceptive decisions. Consequently, at least for the time period relevant for current policy planning purposes, the willingness of husbands to adopt or allow their spouses to use family planning practices will determine the pace of fertility reduction in Nigeria. The results suggest that there is high knowledge of contraceptives, a generally negative attitude towards limiting family size for economic reasons, and consequently low rates of contraceptive use. Respondents who were willing to use contraceptives were more willing to use them for child spacing purposes than explicitly for limiting family size. Path-analytic decompositions of the effects of predictor variables show that education has the largest direct and total effects on contraceptive use while specific knowledge of contraceptives has the smallest direct and total effect (as well as a paradoxical negative direct effect when education is included in the model). Most importantly, attitudes have the largest direct effect on contraceptive use with a standardized coefficient value of 781. Thus, since knowledge of contraceptive is already high among even those respondents who do not use contraceptives, the attitudes of males are especially important for decisions about contraceptive use. As a result, family planning programs that continue to focus solely on women will continue to achieve only limited successes in northern Nigeria (and likely in the many patrilineal societies where similar programs are pursued). 2.3.2 Osakue Stevenson Omoera This study examined the effectiveness of the broadcast media, specifically radio and television in creating and disseminating family planning information on matters of number and spacing of children in rural Nigeria, using Ebelle community in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State as a study case. To achieve the set task, the paper employed the survey questionnaire method to gather data. Out of the 140 questionnaires administered, 100 were retrieved and analysed, using descriptive statistics. In the end, the study revealed that radio and television, through certain programmes, have helped in the dissemination of relevant information on family planning in rural settings just as they have purportedly done in urban centres in Nigeria. Hence, the paper recommended that the broadcast media should be massively deployed to disseminate relevant messages on issues such as contraceptive alternatives, distended family size, female genital mutilation, “area boys” cultism in the streets, sexually transmitted infections, malnutrition, among others, that have the potentials of destroying family hood. Ultimately, the redress of these challenges would redound to the cohesion and progress of the average rural family in Nigeria. CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHOD 3.1 Research Design Research design refers to a way or method a researcher adopted to provide answers to a research questions raised by the study. It is a blue print for solving the research problem. In this work, the survey research design was adopted. Survey design involves gathering data that describes events and then organizes and describes the data collection. According to Ihejirika and Omego (2013), survey is one of the most popular methods used today to gain knowledge of things people and events in the natural world. The survey method will be used to determine the consumers’ perception of celebrities’ endorsements of non-alcoholic beverages. 3.2 Research Population Research population refers to all persons that fall under the umbrella of the topic or that can be examined to address the research problem or meet the research objectives (Ohaji 2003) According to Piel (1982), a population refers to all cases or individuals that fit a certain specification. The target population in this study comprises couples of Woji community in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The population of Woji community is estimated to be 82000 according to the 2006 census with a population projection growth rate of 2.5 per cent per annual. 2.5 x 52500 100 1 131250 100 = 13412.5 = 1, 3412. 5 x17years (2006-2024) = 22312.5 + 52,500 (2006 figure) = 74,812.15 = approximate: 74813 Therefore, Woji community population is estimated to be 74813. This was taken as the universe of the study since there is no official figure of the population available 3.3 Sample Size and techniques Sampling is a process of selecting a sub-set of people or social phenomena to be studied, from a larger universe to which they belong (Payne and Payne, 2004). Sampling is needed if the researcher wishes to know characteristics of a large population. The population of this study is large and therefore a sample was draw from it using the Taro Yamane’s formula that states thus: N = n 1+ N (e)2 Where; n = Sample size N = Population size e = error margin (level precision, usually put at 0.005) □ = raised to the power of Using the population size of population as estimated to be 74813. This was taken as the universe of the study since there is no official figure of the population available the sample size is thus derived as N= n 1+ N (e)2 74813 1+74813 (0.5)2 74813 74813 + 1 (0.0025) 74813 187.0325 + 1 = 188.0325 :. 74813 ÷ 187.0325 = 397.87 n = 399 The sample size is 391. Convenience and purposive sampling technique was used in the study. This technique relies on data collection from population members who are willing and available to participate in the study. 3.4 Research Instrument The instrument used to gather data for this work was questionnaire. It was the best suited, efficient and reliable method for extracting relevant information needed for the study. As a tool for data collection, the questionnaire is designed to contain some important questions which will evoke information on respondents’ perception of the subject matter. As earlier stated, this instrument is divided into two parts: Section A was used to obtain demographic (personal information) and Section B contains questions items aimed at obtaining the psychographic information from the respondents. Term 1 to 4, attend to research question one, item 5-9 attend to research question 2, item 10-15 attend to research question 3, item 16-19 attend to research question 4 while item 20-23 attend to research question 5. 3.5 Validity of research instrument Validity refers to the degree to which a meaning instrument measures what it is designed to measure. The questionnaire used in this study was a valid one since it was carefully scrutinized by the project supervisor who was very knowledgeable in the area under study to ensure its validity. After the careful study of the items, observations were made for the modification of the instrument. 3.7 Method of Data Collection The primary source of data for the survey design was the questionnaire which was administered using the convenience and purposive sampling technique. The researcher with the assistance of 3 research assistances administered instrument on the respondents through accidental sampling. In all A total of 399 copies of the questionnaire was administered to 391 respondents at Woji community through face to face contact, It took the researcher and his 3 research assistances 3 weeks to administer and retrieve the instrument. Out of the 399 copies of the instrument administered about 388 copies were retrieved, only 352 copies were well filled and found useful for data analysis. 3.8 Method of data analysis The study adopted the use of frequency tables and weighted means score (WMS) in presenting and analyzing all the research questions. The simple percentage tables and the weighted mean score, the weighted means score was analyzed base on the four-point likert scale, with the formula, WMS = Using weighted mean which is χ=Ewx/Ew E=sum of w=the weights x=the value The instruments, responses to the items were weighted as belows: Strongly agreed - 4points Agree - 3points Disagreed - 2points Strong disagreed - 1point From the above therefore, the criterion weighted means score (CWMS) was established at the mean score is calculated as: 4+3+2+1=10. 10/4 =2.5 CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This chapter deals with data presentation, analysis and discussion of findings. The data gathered are presented in tables showing the numbers and percentages percentage of likert scale that was used to arrive at a weighted mean score of WMS of respondents and their responses to the instrument. The criterion mean is calculated as follows: criteria mean =4+3+2+1= 10= 2.5 4 4.1.1 Presentation of Data Demographic information about the respondents indicate that their age range was from 30-above, and they were mostly married who are business women with mostly B.Sc/M.Sc holders. Table 4.1.1 Women in Woji’s exposure to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 S/N Options SA 4 A 3 SD 2 D 1 Total WMS Remarks 1 I listen to Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 programmes 181 724 123 369 32 64 16 16 352 1173 3.3 Agreed 2 I do not listen to Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 programmes 68 272 86 258 102 204 96 96 352 830 2.3 Disagreed 3 I am exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 197 788 113 339 23 46 19 19 352 1,192 3.3 Agreed 4 I am not radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 212 848 126 378 5 10 9 9 352 1,245 3.5 Agreed Data generated from table 4.1.1 shows that, Items 1, 3 and 4 have an accepted mean of 3.3, 3.3 and 3.5 respectively which is above the mean score of 2.5. Showing that respondents attested that majority respondents they listen to Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 and that they were exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info FM 92.3. Table 4.1.2: The Frequency women in Woji are exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 S/N Options SA 4 A 3 SD 2 D 1 Total WMS Remarks 1 I am almost always exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 177 708 143 429 20 40 12 12 352 1,189 3.3 Agreed 2 I am exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 occasionally 89 356 127 381 69 138 67 67 352 1,192 2.6 Agreed 3 I am rarely exposed radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 74 296 51 153 71 142 156 156 352 739 2.1 Disagreed 4 I have heard Contraception topics discussed by Nigeria Info FM 92.3 on the programme 74 296 164 492 62 124 52 52 352 902 2.5 Agreed 5 I have listen to Reproductive health discussed by Nigeria Info FM 92.3 on the programme 282 1128 57 171 9 9 4 4 352 1,312 3.7 Agreed Information generated from the table above, respondents stated that they always and occasionally exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 as shown in items 1 and 2 with a weighted mean score of 3.3 and 2.6 respectively. This is considered to be significant. Also item 4 and 5 (in same table) with a weighted mean score of 2.5 and 3.7 respectively shows that respondents attested that they have heard Contraception and Reproductive health topics discussed on Nigeria Info FM 92.3 radio programme on family planning. Table 4.1.3: The perception of Woji community of radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 S/N Items SA 4 A 3 SD 2 D 1 Total WMS Remarks 1 Radio programme on family planning programme is informative 210 840 97 291 34 68 11 11 352 1,210 3.4 Agreed 2 Nigeria Info FM 92.3 programme on family planning is very educative 108 432 153 459 29 58 62 62 352 1011 2.8 Agreed 3 I found Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 programme radio on family planning healthy 197 788 113 339 23 46 19 19 352 1,192 3.3 Agreed 4 Nigeria Info FM 92.3 radio programme on family planning is very important and a must listen 131 524 115 345 39 78 67 67 353 1014 2.8 Agreed 5 Experts opinions and discussion of contraception were very informative 181 724 123 369 32 64 16 16 352 1173 3.3 Agreed 6 I am well informed with personal stories and experiences 128 512 191 573 12 24 21 21 352 1,130 3.2 Agreed Data generated from Table 4.1.3 shows that, women in Woji community perceived radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 to be informative, educative, healthy, very important, a must listen as shown in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 have an accepted mean of 3.4, 2.8, 3.3, 2.8, 3.3 and 3.2 respectively which is above the mean score of 2.5. Table 4.1.4: Woji women level understanding of radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 S/N Items SA 4 A 3 SD 2 D 1 Total WMS Remarks 1 I can still remember any radio messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 151 604 167 501 16 32 18 18 352 1,155 3.2 Agreed 2 I cannot recall any radio messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 68 272 86 258 102 204 96 96 352 830 2.3 Disagreed I understand the language used in sending messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 41 164 36 108 127 254 148 148 353 674 1.9 Disagreed 3 The language used in sending messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92 is not clear to me 207 848 121 378 10 20 14 14 352 1,260 3.5 Agreed Information generated from the table 4.1.4 indicates that Woji women can still remember any radio messages on family planning and the language used in sending messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92 was not clear to them as shown in items 1 and 3 with a weighted mean score of 3.2 and 3.5 respectively which is above the mean score of 2.5. Table 4.1.5: The influence of Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 radio programme on family planning programme on women in Woji commuinty S/N Items SA 4 A 3 SD 2 D 1 Total WMS Remarks 1 The radio programme on family planning influenced my decision to use family planning methods 206 824 89 267 34 68 23 23 352 1,182 3.3 Agreed 2 My decision to use family planning methods was not influenced by Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning 68 272 86 258 102 204 96 96 352 830 2.3 Disagreed 3 Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning address any misconceptions or myths I had about family planning 99 396 124 372 77 154 52 52 352 974 2.7 Agreed 4 Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning did not address any misconceptions or myths I had about family planning 63 252 74 222 117 234 98 98 352 806 2.2 Disagreed Data generated from table 4.1.5 shows that, Items 1 and 3 have an accepted mean of 3.3 and 2.7 respectively which is above the mean score of 2.5. Showing that women in Woji community attested that radio programme on family planning influenced my decision to use family planning methods and Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning address any misconceptions or myths they had about family planning. 4.2 Discussion of findings Research question one: Are couples in Woji community exposed to radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3? Data generated from table 4.1.1 shows that, Items 1, 3 and 4 have an accepted mean of 3.3, 3.3 and 3.5 respectively which is above the mean score of 2.5. Showing that respondents attested that majority respondents they listen to Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 and that they were exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info FM 92.3. The outcome of this study agrees. Sheufele and Tewksbury (2007) in Nwachukwu et al (2013) proves this by stating that there is a strong correlation between the emphasis the media places on some issues and the importance attributed to such issues. Another factor which affected listenership of radio programmes by Woji women is that radio is the primary source of information in rural areas. Maina (2013) says that radio broadcasting in Africa is very important because people look up to the radio medium as a source of explanations, advice and arbiter of social morality. Also the finding of this study proves that radio stations add programmes geared towards development to their programming. This is in line with the development media theory which opines that the media should be used to push the development needs of third world nations. Ndimele and Innocent (2006) further buttress this point by stating that the press must be charged with the responsibilities of designing programmes targeted at developmental tasks in line with global best practices.(p.267).Nwachukwu et al (2013) also adds that development media stand for the positive use of the media in national development and emphasizes collective ends rather than individual ends. Radio’s inclusion of socio developmental programmes is in line with number 6 of FRCN’s objective which is to provide special broadcasting service in the field of education and in all areas where the national policy calls for special attention. Research question two: How often are couples in Woji community exposed to radio messages on family planning programme? Information generated from the table above, respondents stated that they always and occasionally exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 as shown in items 1 and 2 with a weighted mean score of 3.3 and 2.6 respectively. This is considered to be significant. Also item 4 and 5 (in same table) with a weighted mean score of 2.5 and 3.7 respectively shows that respondents attested that they have heard Contraception and Reproductive health topics discussed on Nigeria Info FM 92.3 radio programme on family planning. Information gathered from this study correlate with Baran and Davis (2015) say that people’s tendency to expose themselves to or attend to media messages that they feel are in accord with their already held-attitudes and interests and the parallel tendency to avoid that which might be dissonance-creating’ People are more inclined to open their hearts to information that are consistent with what they believe, and look for a way of escaping from messages that have contrary views. Daramola (2003) is of the opinion that a person has the tendency to expose him or herself to that communication that is in agreement with the person’s existing attitudes and to avoid those communications that are not’. The communication component is an embodiment of so much, because so much can be shared in a communication act or process. They include but not limited to information, messages, views, and ideas. Baran (2004) says that selective exposure is the process by which people expose themselves to only those messages consistent with their pre existing attitudes and beliefs. Also the outcome supports uses and gratifications role of the media which was adopted as one of the theoretical foundations of this study Framed by Elihu Katz, Jay Blumler, and Michael Gurevitch in the 1970s, Uses and Gratification Theory turned attention away from media sources and message effects to audience uses of media content. The uses (exposure to the media) and, gratification (benefits or gains) are determined by the needs of members of the audience. Therefore, according to Anaeto, Onabanjo, and Osifeso (2008), Uses and Gratification is concerned with what people do with media instead of what media do to people. The practical use of the media is what the Uses and Gratification Theory explains. This theory emphasizes on the reason(s) people have for engaging one medium over another as well as the gratifications they aim to derive. Dominick (1990), in its simplest form, the uses and gratification theory states that audience members have certain needs or drives that are satisfied by using both media and non-media sources. The theory suggests that there is highly active audience making use of the media for different purposes designed to satisfy needs such as, entertainment, information and identification. In this model, the individual has power to select the media text that best suits his/her needs and attempts to satisfy their needs. The psychological basis for this model is the hierarchy of needs identified by Maslow. Furthermore, the outcome of this study agreed with Blumer and Katz (1990) said that audience gratification could be desired from these distinct sources, they are media content, exposure to media parse and the social context that typifies the situation of exposure to media. In essence, the needs and aspirations of the audience, their belief and attitudes will determine their media choice. Hence, audience will perceive higher the media that provides gratification for their needs and aspirations and identifies with their belief system and attitudes. Research question three: What are couples’ in Woji community perceptions of radio programme on family planning programm? Data generated from Table 4.1.3 shows that, women in Woji community perceived radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 to be informative, educative, healthy, very important, a must listen as shown in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 have an accepted mean of 3.4, 2.8, 3.3, 2.8, 3.3 and 3.2 respectively which is above the mean score of 2.5. This outcome agrees with Baker (1976) opines that perception can be influenced by a myriad of psychological factors including the predispositions of individuals that are based on their past experience, cultural expectations, motivations, moods and attitudes. All these factors are responsible for why people watch or listen or read certain things and ignore others. He further states that the concepts of selective attention, selective exposure, selective perception, and selective retention were formulated to explain how individuals manage and manipulate media messages available to them. According to Baran and Davis (2014) selective perception is the mental and psychological recasting of a message so that its meaning is in line with a person’s beliefs and attitudes (p 107). Once a person has exposed and given an attention to media messages, the next stage has to with analysing the message to make sure it is beneficial in the end. Baran (2004) predicts that people will interpret messages in a manner consistent with their preexisting attitudes and beliefs. The attitudes and beliefs of people is what give them the basis for interpreting messages gotten from the media. Daramola (2003, p 53) alleges that viewers will if possible, shape their interpretation of a news event to be congruent with his /her existing belief as a result of the following factors: interests, beliefs, knowledge, attitudes, needs, and values. Members of any society will surely perceive messages differently because of their innate compositions and abilities. DeFleur and DeFleur (2016, pp 78) assume that both attention to media presentation and perception of content are highly selective’. Before an individual decides to ponder on a message, they would have screened it to make sure that it is cognizant with what they believe in or are comfortable with. Since people have a lot of media content to choose from, this make them to selectively perceive, process and interpret media messages or form the perception of the other party in the process; to misperceive and misinterpret messages, which in has the capacity to reduce the potential for changing attitudes, values, opinions, or images. The selective processes are very important in the communication act. Research question four: Do couples in Woji community understood the radio programme on family planning programm? Information generated from the table 4.1.4 indicates that Woji women can still remember any radio messages on family planning and that they understand the language used in sending messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 as shown in items 1 and 3 with a weighted mean score of 3.2 and 3.5 respectively which is above the mean score of 2.5. This finding agrees with Daramola (2003) who assert that a person has the tendency to expose him or herself to those communication that are in agreement with the person’s existing attitudes and to avoid those communication that are not’. The communication component is an embodiment of so much, because so much can be shared in a communication act or process. They include but not limited to information, messages, views, and ideas. Baran (2004) says that selective exposure is the process by which people expose themselves to only those messages consistent with their preexisting attitudes and beliefs. According to Baran and Davis (2015) people’s tendency to expose themselves to or attend to media messages that they feel are in accord with their already held-attitudes and interests and the parallel tendency to avoid that which might be dissonance-creating’ People are more inclined to open their hearts to information that are consistent with what they believe, and look for a way of escaping from messages that have contrary views. They are all of the opinion that individuals will not expose themselves to message that do not augur well with them based on their attitudes and beliefs. Research question five: Are couples in Woji community influenced by radio programme on family planning programme? Data generated from table 4.1.5 shows that, Items 1 and 3 have an accepted mean of 3.3 and 2.7 respectively which is above the mean score of 2.5. Showing that women in Woji community attested that radio programme on family planning influenced my decision to use family planning methods and Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning address any misconceptions or myths they had about family planning. . This agrees with Rice and Atkins (2001) opinion that programmes of these nature are purposefully designed to inform, persuade and motivate behavior changes in large and well defined audience. Moyer-Guse and Nab (2010) still addressing the nature of these radio programme state that they are designed to exert some known pro social effect on its listeners such as providing information, reducing stigma and promoting healthy behaviours. They added that the goals of these programmes vary. Some merely aim to provide information to listeners while some aim to change behavior. The findings authenticate development theory which formed the premise of this study, it posits that the media should not be self serving but rather see themselves as the drivers of social change in the society. Considering the influence of the mass media, they should be used for the good of the community and the nation at large. CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Summary of Findings The aim of this study was to assess the compliance to Nigeria Info 92.3fm Family Planning Awareness Programme on the behaviour of women in Woji community. The objective was to find out among others, how women in Woji community perceive radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3, if women in Woji community understand radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 and if women in Woji community are influenced by radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3. Development media, Selective influence and Uses and gratification theories were theoretical foundation of the study. A sample size of 399 was drawn from the population 74813 using Philip Taro Yamane’s formula, the sample size for the study was 384 and the sampling technique adopted was the cluster sampling technique. After the administration of the instrument a total of 388 copies were retrieved and only 352 copies were well filled and found useful for data analysis. The data were presented in frequency and simple percentage tables and weighted means score. This study made some findings based on the frequency of responses which are as follows: Women in Woji community were exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info FM 92.3. Respondents affirmed that stated that they always and occasionally exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 Women in Woji community perceived radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 to be informative, educative, healthy, very important, a must listen. Respondents can still remember any radio messages on family planning and that they understand the language used in sending messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3. women in Woji community attested that radio programme on family planning influenced my decision to use family planning methods and Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning address any misconceptions or myths they had about family planning. 5.2 Conclusions In conclusion, we discovered in this study that the diffusion of family planning messages on radio has an inseparable dependence on the level of education and other social invariables. There is every indication that as people ascend the rungs of the educational ladder, their desire and quest to keep abreast with information on the events around them and the change in their economic and educational status lead them to seek wider information on issues around them. Having been educated, they are better informed to realize the inherent danger in over population of which they achieve through family planning messages. It is important to point out that there is need for awareness campaign, to stress on making the rural people see and agree on the need for population control through family planning message via radio. Recommendations Based on the findings, this study recommends the following: Efforts should be intensified in the awareness of family planning messages on radio and also in a language understandable to the audience. Community participation should be encouraged involving school teachers, housewives, traditional medicine practitioners and village heads. Interpersonal communication and opinion leaders should be introduced in the diffusion of family planning message in Woji community in order to have a better understanding of the message. There should be an improvement in the living standard of the people. This will encourage couples to have smaller families. Research into the methods of traditional contraception should be carried out for couples who do not accept modern methods of contraceptives. Reference Abayomi O. (2001). Principles and practice of public health in Africa, University Press Plc. Abroms, L.C.&Maibach, E.W. (2008). The effectiveness of mass communication to change public behavior. Annual review of public health 29,219 – 234. Akosa, C.A. (2012). The role of radio in the development of Onitsha North Local Government, Masters theses: University of Nigeria Nsukka Anyawu A. (1994). Data Collection and Analysis, Alvan Press. Bankole O., Donald R. and Richard C. (1990). 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World Health Statistics Annual (Geneva: World Health Organization) (1994) APPENDIX Department of Linguistics And Communication Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Port Harcourt, Choba , Rivers State Dear Respondent, I am a final year student of University of Port Harcourt in the above mentioned department carrying out a research on “ ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE TO NIGERIA INFO 92.3FM FAMILY PLANNING AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF WOMEN IN WOJI COMMUNITY”. It is an academic requirement for the award of Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree. To this end, I have designed this questionnaire to enable you provide answers that will help me realize the aim of the research work. I assure you that information supplied will be treated confidentially. Please, kindly answer the questions on the attached sheets by choosing the alternative that suits you. Yours sincerely, Ndukwe, Precious Ifunanya U2019/1825081 Researcher APPENDIX II QUESTIONNAIRE Instruction: please tick (√) where applicable and respond by filling the spaces provided where appropriate. Section A: Demographic Data 1. Age Group (years): 15 to 20 [ ] 21 to 27 [ ] 28 to 34 [ ] 35 to 41 [ ] 41 and above [ ] 2. Marital Status: Single [ ] Married [ ] Separated [ ] Divorced [ ] Educational qualification FSLC [ ] SSCE [ ] B.Sc.\B.A [ ] Masters and above [ ] Occupational status Student [ ] Civil servant [ ] Business [ ] Unemployed [ ] SECTION B (Please tick the appropriate answer and write where necessary) (Strongly Agree-SA, Agree- A, Disagree-D, Strongly Disagree-SD) S/N ITEMS SA A D SD Women in Woji’s exposure to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 1. I listen to Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 programmes 2 I do not listen to Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 programmes 3 I am exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 4 I am not radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 The Frequency women in Woji are exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 5 I am almost always exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 6 I am exposed to exposed to radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 occasionally 7. I am rarely exposed radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 8 I have heard Contraception topics discussed by Nigeria Info FM 92.3 on the programme 9 I have listen to Reproductive health discussed by Nigeria Info FM 92.3 on the programme The perception of Woji community of radio programme on family planning programme on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 10 Radio programme on family planning programme is informative 11 Nigeria Info FM 92.3 programme on family planning is very educative 12 I found Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 programme radio on family planning healthy 13 Nigeria Info FM 92.3 radio programme on family planning is very important and a must listen 14 Experts opinions and discussion of contraception were very informative 15 I am well informed with personal stories and experiences Woji women level understanding of radio programme on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 16 I can still remember any radio messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 17 I cannot recall any radio messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 18 I understand the language used in sending messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 19 The language used in sending messages on family planning on Nigeria Info Fm 92 is not clear to me The influence of Nigeria Info Fm 92.3 radio programme on family planning programme on women in Woji community 20. The radio programme on family planning influenced my decision to use family planning methods 21. My decision to use family planning methods was not influenced by Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning 22. Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning address any misconceptions or myths I had about family planning 23 Nigeria Info radio programme on family planning did not address any misconceptions or myths I had about family planning