Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 7(3), pp. 90 - 102
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2019.070302
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Evidence Based Abortion Stigma Reduction Using Radio Drama in Nigeria
Eremutha Awasighe Francis 1,*, Okosun Onaburekhalen Thankgod 1, Gabriel Veronica Chizoba 1, Diakpomrere Oghenevweta Vincent 2
1 Women Friendly Initiative, Kuje Area Council, Abuja FCT, Nigeria
2 Department of Theatre Arts and Mass Communication, University of Benin, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
A substantial number of Nigerian women/ girls have unwanted pregnancies due to their low contraceptive prevalence. Many of these pregnancies are resolved through unsafe abortion. Unsafe abortion constitutes a huge burden to women's health and reproductive lives especially in Nigeria where it is perceived illegal. The media plays a significant part in shaping public perceptions of health issues, and abortion attracts continued media interest. The objective of this research was to explore the context of abortion stigma on campus using University of Benin as a reference point, through qualitative and quantitative research at baseline/ endline. In achieving this, related youth concerns on the campus that fuels unplanned pregnancy and unsafe abortion such as rape, none use of contraception, drug abuse and cultism were equally assessed to determine the level of stigmatization placed on perceived offenders. Findings were used to develop an intervention strategy on stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about abortion. Following airing of 24 episodes radio drama on abortion and related concerns, findings were scored and interpreted using the Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs and Actions Scale (SABAS). Our findings showed significant decrease in the negative dimensions and improvement in positive discuss of abortion following increased awareness and education on abortion and related concerns.
KEYWORDS
Abortion, Abortion Stigma, Stigma Score, Radio
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Eremutha Awasighe Francis , Okosun Onaburekhalen Thankgod , Gabriel Veronica Chizoba , Diakpomrere Oghenevweta Vincent , "Evidence Based Abortion Stigma Reduction Using Radio Drama in Nigeria," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 90 - 102, 2019. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2019.070302.
(b). APA Format:
Eremutha Awasighe Francis , Okosun Onaburekhalen Thankgod , Gabriel Veronica Chizoba , Diakpomrere Oghenevweta Vincent (2019). Evidence Based Abortion Stigma Reduction Using Radio Drama in Nigeria. Universal Journal of Public Health, 7(3), 90 - 102. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2019.070302.