An Evaluation of Pragmatic Strategies in Nigerian Health Communication: A Study of Public Service Announcements
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Public service announcements (PSAs) in Nigerian health communication play a crucial role in disseminating important public health information and influencing behavioral change. This study evaluates the pragmatic strategies employed in Nigerian PSAs to determine how language is used to promote health awareness and encourage positive actions. PSAs typically incorporate clear directives, persuasive language, and culturally appropriate politeness markers to ensure that messages are received effectively by diverse audiences (Okeke, 2023). Health communication in Nigeria often faces challenges such as low literacy levels and regional language diversity, making the strategic use of pragmatic devices essential for clarity and comprehension (Afolabi, 2024). By analyzing a corpus of radio and television PSAs, along with digital campaigns, this research examines how health messages are framed, the role of tone and style in persuasive communication, and the impact of these strategies on public response. The study also explores how crisis situations—such as epidemics—affect the choice of pragmatic devices in health messaging, thereby contributing to the optimization of communication strategies in public health contexts (Ibrahim, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical importance of effective health communication, there is limited research on the pragmatic strategies used in Nigerian PSAs. Inconsistencies in language use, such as unclear directives or inappropriate politeness markers, can lead to misinterpretation of health messages (Okeke, 2023). This gap hinders efforts to design PSAs that maximize public understanding and behavioral change. Additionally, regional differences and varying literacy levels complicate the standardization of pragmatic approaches in health messaging. Without systematic analysis, health authorities may struggle to refine their communication strategies during public health crises (Afolabi, 2024). This study aims to address these gaps by evaluating the pragmatic devices in PSAs and recommending improvements for more effective health communication (Ibrahim, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
-
To identify key pragmatic strategies in Nigerian health PSAs.
-
To assess their impact on message clarity and public response.
-
To recommend improvements for future health communication campaigns.
Research Questions:
-
What pragmatic devices are used in Nigerian health PSAs?
-
How do these devices affect audience understanding?
-
What strategies can enhance the effectiveness of health messaging?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it evaluates the pragmatic strategies in Nigerian health communication, providing insights to improve the effectiveness of public service announcements. The findings will benefit health policymakers, communication specialists, and educators by informing the design of clear, persuasive health messages, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes (Ibrahim, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to health PSAs broadcast in Nigeria and does not cover other forms of health communication or international campaigns.
Definitions of Terms:
-
Pragmatic Strategies: Techniques used to achieve effective communication in context.
-
Public Service Announcements: Official messages aimed at informing the public about health issues.
-
Health Communication: The process of conveying health-related information to the public.
Related Project Materials
ENHANCING POLICE OFFICERS’ COMMUNICATION SKILLS THROUGH ENGLISH FOR OCCUPATIONAL PURPOSES
ABSTRACT
The study examined the effect of English for Occupational purposes on Police officers’ use of English. Specifically the st...
IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY OF SMALLHOLDER SHRIMP AQUACULTURE AND RELATED AGRIBUSINESS IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
In this study, our focus was to carryout a critical analysis on the methods of improving...
An evaluation of automated customer service in corporate banking: A case study of Union Bank Nigeria, Lagos.
Background of the Study
Automated customer service systems, such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and self-service portals, are transform...
An analysis of job satisfaction and its impact on employee productivity in Dangote Flour Mills, Kaduna State
Background of the Study
Job satisfaction is a key determinant of employee motivation, performance, and productivity. It refers to the ext...
TRADITIONAL RULERS COUNCIL AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
Background of Study
Traditional institution‖ and their role in conflict resolution&nbs...
An examination of teachers’ digital competence in implementing online learning in secondary schools in Yobe LGA, Yobe State.
Background of the Study
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has fundamentally altered the educational landscape, necessitating...
THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The effectiveness of any marketing activities does not solely depend on the ability to offer com...
An Investigation of Facial Recognition Systems for Secure University Access Control: A Case Study of Modibbo Adama University, Yola (Yola North LGA, Adamawa State)
Background of the Study
The need for enhanced security in university campuses has grown significantly in recent years due t...
The effect of weak political institutions on local government administration: A study of Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State
Background of the Study
Weak political institutions can severely undermine the efficacy of local government administration...
An Examination of Water Scarcity and Its Impact on Rural Health in Bauchi State
Background of the Study
Water scarcity is a pressing challenge that affects millions of people globally, particularly in ru...
