SOURCE:

Faculty: Social Sciences
Department: Mass Communication

CONTRIBUTORS:

ABUAH, F. A
ADUM, A

ABSTRACT:

The introduction of the Global System on Mobile (GSM) communication in Nigeria with the installation of several masts across the country have raised concerns regarding the effect of radiation emanating from them due to dappling. This is because sustained exposure to a certain level of radiation entails some health risk (even death) to humans. Consequently, this study assessed the risk perception among residents in the South-South Nigeria in regard to radiation coming from dappling telecommunication masts. Situated within the framework of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Reasoned Action Theory (RAC), the study employed the mixed method approach encompassing a quantitative design (survey) and a qualitative design (focus group discussion, FGD). The area of study was South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A total of 663 respondents were selected from the region for survey while 12 discussants were selected for two FGD sessions of six persons per session. The survey data were analysed quantitatively using simple percentages and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, while the FGD data were qualitatively analysed using the thematic approach. The study found that there is low awareness and knowledge of the health risks associated with dappling telecommunication masts among residents in South-South Nigeria. However, it was also found that mass media and the Internet are the major sources through which the residents gain information on health risks associated with radiation that comes from dappling telecommunication masts. Nevertheless, there is low practice of precautionary measures by the residents against the health risks associated with the radiation. Hypotheses testing indicated that awareness of health risks associated with radiations coming from dappling telecommunication masts is influenced by gender, marital status, level of education and state of residence of the respondents. Also, their knowledge of these risks is influenced by their gender, level of education and state of residence; while their practice of precautionary measures is influenced by their age, level of education and occupation. Hypothesis testing indicated that if the residents are aware of the health risks associated with exposure to radiation emitted from telecommunication masts, they would take health action to guard against health conditions as a result of such exposure. The study concluded that the residents are a vulnerable group as far as the health implications of situating telecommunication masts close to human residents are concerned. This vulnerability is linked to their low knowledge which resulted in their inability to perceive any risk and hence taking no action. Among others, it was recommended that a massive and sustained public enlightenment campaign regarding the health risks associated with radiations coming from telecommunication masts should be mounted in the country.