Awareness and Use of Media Channels for Information Dissemination on Waste Disposal by Environmental Health Workers in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the awareness and use of media channels for disseminating information on waste disposal by environmental health workers and examined the impact of such dissemination on hygienic lifestyle in Minna, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, Population of study were 72 environmental health workers drawn from the waste management, environmental monitoring, conservation, and environmental health departments. Data were collected using questionnaires, and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed a high level of awareness among environmental health workers regarding major media channels such as radio, television, posters, newspapers, libraries, WhatsApp, Facebook, and interpersonal communication, while relatively low awareness was observed for books and Twitter. The study further established that radio, television, social media platforms, posters, libraries, and peer communication are actively employed for environmental information dissemination. On health outcomes, the study found that respondents indicated that information dissemination on waste disposal contribute to the reduction of malaria, typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, and skin infections., with many residents still perceiving waste disposal as solely a government responsibility. The study concludes that media-based environmental communication plays a critical role in improving hygienic lifestyle and public health, but sustained behavioural change requires continuous, participatory, and community-driven enlightenment campaigns.