Influence of Mass Media Health Messages On Healthy Lifestyle Practices Among Youths in Enugu State

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@article{1722451,
      author = {Dr. Ngene Maxwell Menkiti, Ugwu Chioma Faith},
      title = {Influence of Mass Media Health Messages On Healthy Lifestyle Practices Among Youths in Enugu State},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {3942-3960},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722451.pdf},
      abstract = {This study examined the influence of mass media health messages on healthy lifestyle practices among youths in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the increasing prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle practices among youths and the growing role of traditional and digital media in health promotion. Four objectives guided the study: to determine the extent of exposure to mass media health messages among youths, identify the media platforms perceived as most effective in influencing healthy lifestyle practices, examine the barriers to the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices, and assess the influence of mass media health messages on healthy lifestyle behaviours among youths in Enugu State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of youths residing in Enugu State, while a sample of 100 respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Mass Media Health Messages and Healthy Lifestyle Practices Questionnaire. The instrument was validated by experts and tested for reliability, yielding a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.84. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, standard deviations, and chi-square statistics at the 0.05 level of significance. Results showed a high level of exposure to mass media health messages among youths in Enugu State, with social media emerging as the platform perceived to be most effective in shaping healthy lifestyle practices. Adoption of these practices, however, was constrained by financial limitations, insufficient time, misinformation, peer influence, and inadequate access to exercise facilities. The study further established that mass media health messages had a statistically significant positive influence on healthy lifestyle practices among youths in Enugu State. It was concluded that mass media, particularly social media, plays a pivotal role in shaping health-related behaviour among young people. The study recommended that government agencies, healthcare institutions, educational organisations, and media practitioners intensify evidence-based health communication campaigns targeted at youths through both traditional and digital media platforms.},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1722451}
  }