Abstract / Summary
This study assessed the availability, acceptability and effectiveness of maternal health messages for pregnant women and nursing mothers in selected rural communities in Plateau state. Anchored on the health belief model, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design in which a questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 respondents consisting of pregnant women, nursing mothers and health practitioners from health facilities in selected rural communities of Plateau State. Findings from the study revealed that maternal health messages are available in those health facilities, and the messages are mostly in the form of posters displayed at the health facilities, as well as counselling about health talks, family planning, among others. It further revealed that pregnant women and nursing mothers prefer using health centres because they feel it is safer for them and their babies. Furthermore, the messages are effective in educating up-takers about danger signs and how to care for both the born and unborn babies. The study recommended, among others, that other communication strategies aside from posters and counselling should be explored by health communication experts in the dissemination of maternal health messages at the centre so as to enhance the level of awareness creation.