COMPLETE SCHOOL PROJECT TOPICS & MATERIALS :
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
In many countries across the globe, health-related infections are important public-health issues that result in increased morbidity, death, and higher expenses in health-care settings (Al-Tawfiq et al., 2020).
According to the World Health Organization, some cases of the corona virus that originated in Wuhan City emerged in December 2019. (WHO, 2020). On January 8, 2020, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) stated that the causal pathogen was a new coronavirus (Caulfield, 2020), also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. (SARS-CoV-2). Fever, flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and exhaustion, as well as shortness of breath, are all possible signs. It seems to travel from person to person, although basic cleanliness may help to avoid infection (Chavis & Ganesh, 2020; Chen et al, 2020; Deng and Peng, 2020).
The first variant (Alpha variant) was originally reported in the United Kingdom (UK), and was particularly successful in infection across Europe, as did succeeding variants; Beta (South Africa), Gamma (Brazil), and Delta (South Africa) (India). Since its initial detection in South Africa on November 9th, 2021, the novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has spread to over 100 nations and territories throughout the globe. And in other nations, Omicron is becoming, or has already been, dominant (Abdallah and Lee, 2021). This variation has more than 30 spike protein amino acid alterations, which may be linked to enhanced transmissibility, severity, and immune escape potential. The Omicron variant has been discovered to cause a greater escape from immune protection induced by earlier SARS-CoV-2 infection and maybe even current Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations (Baden, 2021). On November 26th, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified Omicron as a variation of concern (VOC). It is critical to investigate both reasons pertaining to the Omicron variant’s genesis and the method in which it spreads in order to aid additional nations in successfully preventing its introduction. Similarly, it should be researched how to effectively restrict the spatiotemporal spread of the Omicron by the combination of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) measures and vaccination (Baden, 2021). South Africa, the country where Omicron generated a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases, was therefore selected to investigate the geographical dynamics of the Omicron spread and, as a result, to enable a further inquiry on how to successfully manage such a spread by combining vaccination and NPI measures. It has become evident that a search for ways to successfully manage the Omicron pandemic must take into account the effects on regular social and economic activity.
The Omicron variant infection may have lesser repercussions than infections with prior versions, according to preliminary evidence from South Africa, particularly in vaccinated persons (Jiang et al., 2021). Despite some claims, it is too early to predict that Omicron will produce little disease with minimal side effects. Infected patients in South Africa’s Omicron wave, for example, have tended to be younger than in earlier waves, and we know that when infected with any SARS-CoV-2 variation, younger people are more likely to have milder illness. Given the time gaps between infections, hospitalizations, and fatalities, even South Africa’s excess mortality monitoring system, one of the few real-time systems among low- and middle-income nations, is still too early to detect a signal (LMICs). Omicron is approaching us quickly, but its full influence will take some time to manifest (Jiang et al., 2021).
The media is a mirror of society because it reflects it (Thigpen and Funk, 2020). The media has a huge impact these days. Even if we are notifying people about something dangerous in a hurry, social media has become one of the finest ways to distribute news today. Because social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and others provide a plethora of information every day, there has been a surge in false news and disinformation, causing people to fear. People who read or see false information believe it to be real (Milkman et al., 2021). We must cross-check the information we acquire from social media using at least two distinct reputable sources in order to discern between facts and false narratives (Thigpen and Funk, 2020). We may break the cycle of misleading narratives by doing some investigation before passing it on to the next person. Electronic media, in addition to social media, has had a significant impact on the population. The media has the ability to both cause and alleviate panic. Because majority of India’s population lives in rural areas, reliance on electronic media grows as a result of its ease of access (Sun et al., 2021). During this critical time, electronic media such as television and radio can help people change their attitudes and beliefs by spreading positivity, as it has the greatest impact on both elders and youth (Sun et al., 2021).
According to a survey, social media usage increases by 87 percent during lockdown. The daily worldwide updates on the coronavirus pandemic are very popular, being aired on radio stations, scrolled on television screens, and shared on social media (Akarika, Kierian & Ikon 2020). More importantly, with the liberalization of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, which has resulted in over 139 million active mobile phone users and an installed capacity of over 180 million lines (Monye, 2015), Nigerians’ reliance on the media during the Covid-19 Pandemic has skyrocketed (Akarika, Kierian & Ikon 2020).
The most frequent technique of disseminating information in today’s world is via mass media, such as television, radio, newspapers, social media, commercials, and news. Messages about the Covid-19 variation “omicron” have been transmitted across the internet through commercials and other forms of mass media such as radio, television, and newspaper feeds (Helmy et al., 2020).
The public health media has a huge responsibility to educate and inform individuals about public health concerns. Citizens are made aware of health information via media sensitization. It is against this backdrop that this study examines the mass media as a tool for sensitizing the public on Covid-19 variant “omicron” in Lagos State, Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the problem
The outbreak of the Omicron variant in Nigeria has increased the level of tension and anxiety among citizens in the country. The virus unlike other cases we have had in this country is highly transmittable with severe signs and symptoms (Abdallah and Lee, 2021).
In order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, government officials at all levels have proposed a number of steps. Despite the many precautions taken by different countries and related organizations to combat the coronavirus pandemic, the virus seems to be spreading.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCDC has launched many public awareness efforts utilizing the media to bring the main themes of the coronavirus pandemic to the attention of all Nigerians at all levels (Akarika, Umoren & Iwok 2020). Nonetheless, despite the coronavirus campaigns in Nigeria, there have been instances of residents failing to follow WHO, NCDC, Ministry of Health, and other health-related authorities’ recommendations (Akarika, Umoren & Iwok 2020).
The media has a responsibility to make health information and awareness campaigns available. The fast spread of illnesses is often due to a lack of understanding of the disease’s early signs, which may be treated when discovered early (Akarika, 2019). In lieu of this alarming figure reported by NCDC, to what extent have the media sensitized the citizens of Lagos State and what is the level of awareness of coronavirus information in Lagos State, Nigeria?
1.3 Objectives of the study
The main objective of the study is to assess mass media as a tool for sensitizing the public on Covid-19 variant “omicron”.
The specific objectives of the study are to:
- Find out the level of awareness of the Covid-19 variant “Omicron” among the citizens of Lagos State, Nigeria.
- Identify media channels that provide the awareness on the Covid-19 variant “Omicron”.
- Determine citizens’ perception of media sensitization of the Covid-19 variant “Omicron”.
- Determine the level of compliance with the coronavirus pandemic information.
1.4 Research questions
- What is the level of awareness of the Covid-19 variant “Omicron” among the citizens of Lagos State, Nigeria?
- What are the media channels that provide the awareness on the Covid-19 variant “Omicron”?
- What are the citizens’ perceptions of media sensitization of the Covid-19 variant “Omicron”?
- What is the level of compliance with the coronavirus pandemic information?
1.5 Significance of the study
The study is of immense benefit in regulating, the use of social Media and the Mode of new Age communication, in regularizing the use of social media and its effect on the Masses.
The study will enable relevant agencies concerned with eradicating coronavirus in Akwa-state and Nigeria in general to appraise the media framework for possible modification or modernization. The study will show the how media have covered the outbreak of the novel virus. The study exposes the rural people’s perception of the use of media as an institution concerned with people’s welfare and from there highlight the potency of the media as instrument of mass education and mobilization for public policy implication in the state.
Theoretically, this study stands to provide additional knowledge to the body of existing literature on the spread this pandemic disease to the world and of particular reference to Nigeria. The result of this study will serve as good base or guide for future reference and it will also encourage further research on the importance of staying healthy. Furthermore, this study will provide relevant information on the reasons for the spread of this disease from China to the rest of the world.