Public Knowledge, Perception and Source of Information on Ebola Virus Disease – Lagos, Nigeria; September, 2014

2016

Ebola virus disease (otherwise referred to as EVD) broke out in Nigeria in July, 2014. The epidemic which raged on for nearly three months, came to an end with the World Health Organization declaring Nigeria Ebola free in October, 2014. This study analyzed newspaper coverage of the epidemic during the period. It examined the nature and extent of coverage of EVD in three widely circulated newspapers in Nigeria. Between July, 2014 and October, 2014, 1118 articles about EVD in The Guardian, The Punch, and Vanguard newspapers were indentified and analyzed. The study revealed that the most common EVD theme covered by newspaper articles within the period was Government/ Institutional measures and response (271 articles), followed by cases of EVD in Nigeria (270 articles). Most importantly, the study observed that newspaper coverage of the EVD epidemic had implications for prevention and control, as portrayed by the commendations of individuals, corporate bodies and the Government.

Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Western Africa: It is clear that the outbreak of local virus epidemics must be fought with the best biomedical and scientific tools and knowledge available. But we also have to deal with secondary, virtual epidemics that are taking place globally in news and social online media, where various correct and incorrect information, misconceptions, and rumors can be distributed without editorial control. Virtual viruses are a relatively recent phenomenon that differs from traditional and non-virtual rumors. So far no consensus has been reached on how to counter them most effectively. However, we want to emphasize the importance of contextual knowledge, traditional professional and critical journalism, and the benefits of alliances between different agents that are actively involved in a breakout, so that local resources and competences are both acknowledged and supported.

International Journal of Mass Media and Telecommunication, 2017

The study examined broadcast media campaigns on the Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. It adopted the Agenda-selling theory and Health Belief Model as its theoretical frameworks. Us ing the survey method, the study collated responsesfrom 300 respondents in the South-South and SouthEast of Nigeria. The questionnaire was used for data collection. Results from findings revealed that although the broadcast campaign on the EVD created adequate awareness about the disease, not all strata of society were accommodated in th e campaign, especially rural dwellers. The researchers concluded that the framing of the EVD by the broadcast media was that of heightened apprehension, panic and discomfiture among audience member. It was, however, recommended among others that more science beat journalists be trained to give room for coherent and understandable stories in languages that will be all embracing.

International Journal of Crisis Communication, 2020

Sequel to the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria in 2014, the Federal Government of Nigeria, Lagos State Government and other relevant organisations carried out series of awareness campaigns to curtail the spread of the disease. The index EVD case in Nigeria was imported from neighbouring Liberia in West Africa. The objectives of this study are to assess the extent to which residents of Lagos State were able to recall the EVD campaign messages, identify sources of information and current health behaviour regarding EVD. The study was anchored on Health Belief Model, Social Learning and Social Cognitive theories. The study, carried out in 2017, three years after Nigeria was declared Ebola virus free by the World Health Organization. It was adopted descriptive survey research design with questionnaire as major research instrument. A total number of 450 questionnaire respondents were selected through multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. Study revealed that: a significant majority (92.2 %) of the respondents were able to accurately recall the campaign messages, 68.8% identified television as their major source of information and 86% confirmed that they still engage in the recommended health practices. To prevent re-occurrence of EVD and other infectious diseases, the study recommended consistent media awareness health campaigns to promote and sustain hygienic health habits among residents of Lagos State.

Background: The importance of the media in the coverage of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Nigeria and its implications (negative or positive) amongst the populace cannot be overemphasized. This study was conducted to assess the role of media in the Ebola reportage and its implication in creating awareness and stopping the spread amongst the populace. Methods: The nature and extent of media coverage about Ebola in four major national newspapers were examined. The four major national newspapers were The Sun, The Vanguard, The Nation and The Punch newspapers. The period of study ranged from 20 July (when the index case came to Nigeria) to 20 October 2014. Analysis of the newspaper article was according to content. Results: A total of 1625 articles were published between July 2014 to October 2014 and these were divided into news (1127; 69.4%), features (267; 16.4%), opinion (76; 4.7%), editorials (149; 9.2%) and interviews (6; 0.4%). The most common topic was Ebola cases in Nigeria (17.5%) followed by discrimination due to Ebola (10.8%) and least of all the use of salt and or Kola for the cure of Ebola (5.2%). Conclusion: Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Nigeria Ebola free on the 20th October 2014, continual reportage of the Ebola disease for effective awareness, prevention and control of the virus is recommended.

The Lancet, 2015

El presente monográfico representa una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre las diversas representaciones artísticas de este personaje central en nuestra historia cultural, que continúa generando nuevas interpretaciones, como lo demuestra el éxito contemporáneo de obras literarias llevadas a la pantalla como El cuento de la criada (2017), creada por Bruce Miller y basada en la novela homónima de la autora canadiense Margaret Atwood. Se invita, por tanto, a estudiosas y estudiosos a participar en este número especial, teniendo en cuenta la imprescindibilidad de que el trabajo propuesto adopte una perspectiva de género, conforme a la política editorial de la revista.

JRAS, 1998, pp. 269-70