The Influence Of Print Media In Creating Awareness Against Drug Abuse In Nigeria

The Influence Of Print Media In Creating Awareness Against Drug Abuse In Nigeria

Abstract

This project examines the impact of print media in creating awareness against drug abuse. this work will enable use know how the drugs is used for our body. this work went further using a questionnaire for it respondents. it is therefore recommended that 1. I recommend that the mass media should intensify their public awareness campaign by organizing drama, symposium, lectures not only in the urban areas but also in our rural areas, this campaign should be made available because research as shown that Nigeria youths in both rural and urban area of different socio-economic background indulges in the use and abuse of dangerous and illicit drugs. 2. I also recommend drug abuse education in schools and this should be pursued by providing factual information, this additional instruction should infuse drug education into existing school curriculum related to this is the establishment and encouraging of drug free club in our schools. 3. Finally, the mass media being an effective instrument for mass mobilization should encourage the government to establish counselling Centers in Churches, Mosques, Markets, town halls recreation Centers, hospitals. This will provide the therapeutic environment that allows a two-way communication interaction to take place between counsellor and client.

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Drug abuse is a very sensitive and vital issue on our social, education, economic and moral life. It was due to the negative effect it have on the individual or society, that lead to the establishment of Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) whose aim is to check control and investigate drugs that are harmful to human consumption.
Drug are chemical substance solidly, liquid/gaseous and other good food that cause change in the body. They are various kinds and used for difference purpose. Combat injections, slowdown increase metabolic/body function, relieve pain, depression, induce sleep etc it’s not that these drugs are dangerous but their use become harmful to man.

Britanica (2011) defined Drug abuse as the excessive, maladaptive, addictive, use of drug for non medical purpose despite social, psychological and physical problems that may arise from such use” during the 20th century, many government across the world have respond to the use of recreational drugs of banning them and making their use, supply or trade a criminal offence.

Drug abuse have becomes common with some student in the tertiary institution. Health, well-being and happiness, have always been a major quest of humans. Thus people want to go out of their ways to achieve or maintain these states of mind and body. In every society, people use medicine, herbal drugs or otherwise to get good health when they are sick in body or mind.

In most societies people use a number of substances to alter their mood, behavior, consciousness, or perception. This form of behavior is often accepted. In our society, for instance, the use of alcohol, kolanut, tea or coffee, is widely accepted as normal. Nevertheless, as you are probably aware, these substance (especially alcohol) can bring about sorts of problems for the user. These substance contain chemicals which make them to affect the central nervous system, thereby influencing behavior. And there are many other substance that people take which have even stronger risks association with them. These include: Indian hemp (marijuana), cocaine, LSD, heroine, sleeping tablet etc. These substances which are called drugs, become a problem when their consumption become habitual, when a craving develops, leading to worse or persistent social occupational, physical and psychological problems.

Print-media campaigns are a powerful means for disseminating health promotion messages. A wide and diverse audience can be reached through newspapers and roadside advertising hoardings. In the field of drug addiction and dependence, advertisements may contribute to shaping patterns of drug use and the intention to use drugs, as well as modifying mediators such as awareness, knowledge and attitudes about drugs.

However, ethical and economic considerations are often raised. Print-media campaigns—unlike other health interventions—are imposed on populations that have not consented to their implementation.1 This is a considerable ethical issue in modern, person-centred public health, where taking decisions shared with the public is essential for promoting behaviour change. Second, print-media campaigns can be very expensive, especially when implemented at the national or state level. Large-scale purchasing of public service announcement time during popular shows and broad dissemination via printed media are often accessible only to governmental institutions.

For example, the first and second versions of the US Office of National Drug Control Policy’s National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign cost 2.7 billion dollars over more than 10 years.2 Although such campaigns underwent careful evaluation, most print-media interventions are not developed in compliance with the classical circle of public health, which consists in designing interventions based on evidence and in evaluating their impact. A systematic review of the studies assessing print media campaigns aiming to prevent use of illicit drugs can inform future strategies and help design effective campaigns.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Drug abuse among youth in the society have various challenges to the society such as crimes, including the distortions of national economies , monetary. Polices due to laundering of profits, narcotic, crimes (especially violence, cultism, assai sedation, and moral , decadence among our youth). The effects of drug abuse is detrimental not only to the individual but to the society as a whole, yet this problem is on the increase tent news about drug abuse involving ones in higher institution of learning, chouse the serious threat to our national scanty, can the electronic media as a vehicle for information dissemination be relied upon to perform its role in the society, to join hand in the battle against drug abuse? Drug abuse have cause serious damages among secondary school student, higher institution, unemployed, prisoners, civil servants, politician, etc cannot be ignored although today newspaper, magazines and journal always read headlines as pressing gear, surprise and dismay over the use and abuse of drugs.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the issue of drugs abuse in Nigeria.
2. To ascertain the extent to which the print media has carried out campaign against drugs abuse in Nigeria.
3. To examine the challenges facing the print media in the campaign against drugs abuse in Nigeria.
4. To proffer a lasting solution to the issues of drugs abuse in Nigeria.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The importance of this study to Nigerians cannot be over-emphasized. The study seeks to expose the possible outcome, consequence of drugs and addiction. It will educate student who are likely to be victims of drug abuse and addiction of their drawbacks.

This study will also educate unemployed, prisoners, civil servants, politician and the society at large on the danger of drugs abuse to human life.

This study is rewarding academically, economically and socially, it tends to real nature of such drug and their negative impact of those who abuse it, other than prescribed medical dosage.

1.5 Research Question

1. How often do you see the issues of drugs abuse in Nigeria?
2. To what extent has the print media gone in the campaign against drugs abuse in Nigeria?
3. What challenges do the print media face in the campaign against fake drugs in Nigeria?
4. What are the solutions to these challenges of drugs abuse in Nigeria?

1.6 Scope of the Study

An assessment of the print media in the campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria a study of the print media (A study of the punch newspaper).

1.7 Limitation of the Study

Wide research of this nature cannot be carried out without some constrains, this constrains pose a lot of limitation to this work.

1. Duration for the research work is relatively short
2. Stress emanated form other academic activities is also another constrain.
3. Financial constrain poses another challenges.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Mass Media:

These are means of communication to a larger audience. These are represented by radio, television, newspaper and magazine.

Media:

It refers to various means of communication.

Creating Awareness:

It means making it known to the public or popular.

Drug:

Drug is a substance which may have medical intoxicating or enhancing performance or other effect in human body.

Impact:

The effect or impression of one thing on another and also the power of making a strong immediate impression.

Drug Abuse:

Drug abuse is a state of period or choice intoxication produce repeated consummation of a drug.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Summary of the Research

The problem of drug abuse has become a universal one, as it has extended beyond adult and urban settlers to now include young female and even those who live in rural area. Also in our institution of higher learning, Alcohol, India Hemp, Marijuana and Tobacco seems to be most widely used and accessible drugs among our youths.

The findings also showed that smoking in particular has rendered a good number of our youths socially insane and the family as the primary agent of socialisation, has degenerated thereby exposing our youths as easy privy of drug abuse. A close relationship between the child and the parent at early age will not only expose the danger inherent in drug but it will help the children to avoid drug in it infinity.

Also, the media especially the print media has enormous role to play in the struggle against drug abuse by not encouraging commercials that promote the sale of products like tobacco not considering the financial profit that may be incurred from such advertisement.

5.2 Conclusion

The following concessions have been drawn from the relevant major findings of the study.

Drug abuse has a bad effect on the health of the nation especially among our youths in institution of higher learning. The mass media as a vehicle of information has enormous task to help in combating of this scourge.

Drug abuse in all this ramifications has dented the image of the country. The war against drug abuse can only be won with their concerted effort and cooperation of various government agencies, individual/private organizations.

5.3 Recommendation

In view of the forgoing discussion, a few observations and recommendations could be made for consideration and implementation. This is necessary in view of the fact that more has to be done on drug abuse problem. The following recommendation were made by the researcher;

1. I recommend that the mass media should intensify their public awareness campaign by organizing drama, symposium, lectures not only in the urban areas but also in our rural areas, this campaign should be made available because research as shown that Nigeria youths in both rural and urban area of different socio-economic background indulges in the use and abuse of dangerous and illicit drugs.
2. I also recommend drug abuse education in schools and this should be pursued by providing factual information, this additional instruction should infuse drug education into existing school curriculum related to this is the establishment and encouraging of drug free club in our schools.
3. Finally, the mass media being an effective instrument for mass mobilization should encourage the government to establish counselling Centers in Churches, Mosques, Markets, town halls recreation Centers, hospitals. This will provide the therapeutic environment that allows a two-way communication interaction to take place between counsellor and client.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the mass media create awareness against drug abuse?

Therefore, this study is out to examine the mass media especially the print in creating awareness against drug abuse. The continuous abuse of these drugs has lead to a situation of drug addiction and the addict developing a bondage to the drug. The effects of drug abuse is detrimental not only to the individual but to the society as a whole.

What is the primary source of drug awareness among the students?

The study revealed that mass media are the primary source of drug awareness among the students. More specifically it is found that electronic media (radio and television) was the principal medium from which the students obtain anti-drug message, followed by the print media (newspaper and magazine).

Can electronic media help fight Nigeria’s drug epidemic?

Since the medium entertains mot of the time, it would be capable of attracting and reaching large audience. Since the students form the higher risk group in Nigeria’s drug epidemic, the nation anti drug crusaders would do well to use the electronic media to get the students and indeed Nigerians.

Does social media play a role in the drug abuse crisis?

Social media today plays a huge role in the ongoing drug abuse crisis in America. Although it is marketed as a safe, fun, online place to interact with friends and family (and it definitely can be), some people also abuse it for the purpose of sharing drug-related propaganda or for selling illegal substances. Social Media in Today’s World. 

Can the media help in the fight against drug abuse?

True, the mass media (Vanguard and Punch Newspaper) cannot do the job in isolation, the workers in these establishments have to take cognizance of some socio-cultural factors but they can go a long way in laying the background for the fight against drug abuse.

Does the mass media promote drug abuse among teenagers?

The mass media is increasingly being used to advertise tobacco related products, alcohol and other prescription drugs. Accordingly, teenagers who smoke tobacco and take alcohol have higher chances of engaging in illicit drug abuse.

What are the limitations of mass media research on drug abuse?

The research focuses on the impact of mass media in creating awareness about drug abuse. Wide research of this nature cannot be carried out without some constraints, this constraints pose a lot of limitation to this work. 1. Duration for the research work is relatively short

Can mass media campaigns change drug use behaviour?

Little peer-reviewed research is available on the effects of mass media campaigns to change behaviours related to illicit drug use; nearly all work has been undertaken in the USA.

How does the media influence public awareness of drug abuse?

Research has shown that prevention programs can use the media to raise public awareness of the seriousness of a community’s drug problem and prevent drug abuse among specific populations. Using local data and speakers from the community demonstrates that the drug problem is real and that action is needed.

What are the factors that increase drug abuse among students?

Peer pressure is the non- student that increases the abuse of drug. factor in drug misuse. This illustrates the pressure students to study. 

Why engage students in drug education activities?

Engaging students in drug education activities assists them to make healthy and safe choices, identify risky situations, and develop strategies to prepare them for challenging situations. A range of resources to assist teachers in this role are available on this website.

What are the three approaches to school-based prevention of substance use?

Contemporary approaches to school-based prevention of substance use can be categorized into three types: a) social resistance skills training; b) normative education; and c) competence enhancement skills training. Within a single preventive intervention, one or more of these approaches or components may be combined.

What role does the media play in fighting epidemics?

According to WHO, it involves the coordination of responders, proper health information system, and managing communication risks. Media plays a crucial role at each step. The method of news reporting modifies the behavior of people and their attitudes. This was studied in the H1N1 influenza epidemic in the Shaanxi province of China in 2009.

What is the role of the Internet in an epidemic?

The internet is considered a worldwide media. In an epidemic or pandemic, controlling the spread of disease is a basic requirement. It requires early recognition of symptomatology, prompt diagnostic measures, effective home and hospice management, and appropriate preventive steps.

How do media reports affect Emerging Disease Control?

In a study published in 2016, Yan Q. et al. showed how people’s response can change with media reports and, hence, can affect emerging disease control [5]. Media reports of the disease spread during the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 raised fear and awareness among people.

What are the causes of drug abuse in Nigeria?

The abuse of drugs in Nigeria is caused by many factors including love for money by peddlers, disobedience to the laws of the country, proliferation of the market with individuals who sell medicines, lack of control of prescription in the healthcare facilities and lack of control of dispensing among dispensers.

Is social media becoming a harmful addiction?

Would you consider this radio station as “Traditional Media … addiction and overuse. From her website. It is making them grow up too soon. Because there is no age-appropriate filter on social media, it means there is no censorship of what’s being …

Is social media like a drug?

Excessive social media use is like drug addiction, says new study Scrolling through Instagram for hours could have a worse effect on your brain than you might think. For a lot of us, ‘spend less…

How does social media influence teen drug abuse?

While social media use increases the likelihood that teens will use alcohol, tobacco or marijuana, it does not guarantee that they will use illicit substances. As a parent, you need to beware of the marketing messages and risky behaviour displayed on social media.