Advances in Law, Pedagogy, and Multidisciplinary Humanities
Vol 3 No 1 (2025)
Articles

Implications of Information Sources in Shaping Public Awareness of Kidney Disease: Insights from Health Practitioners

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  • Grace Okpongkpong,
  • Daniel Ekhareafo,
  • Ezekiel Asemah
Grace Okpongkpong
Glorious Vision University
Daniel Ekhareafo
University of Benin
Ezekiel Asemah
Glorious Vision University
Published February 18, 2025
Keywords
  • Kidney disease,
  • Public awareness,
  • Risk communication,
  • Information sources,
  • Health practitioners,
  • South-West Nigeria
    • ...More
    Less
How to Cite
Okpongkpong, G., Ekhareafo, D., & Asemah, E. (2025). Implications of Information Sources in Shaping Public Awareness of Kidney Disease: Insights from Health Practitioners. Advances in Law, Pedagogy, and Multidisciplinary Humanities, 3(1), 71-83. Retrieved from https://jurnal.fs.umi.ac.id/index.php/alpamet/article/view/889

Abstract

Kidney disease poses a significant public health challenge, yet awareness of its risk factors and prevention strategies remains limited in many regions, including South-West Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate the role of information sources in shaping public awareness of kidney disease, with insights from health practitioners. Specifically, it assesses the level of awareness and exposure to kidney disease risk communication among residents in South-West Nigeria, examines the sources of information used by residents to learn about kidney disease risk factors, and explores the challenges faced by health practitioners in delivering these messages. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with health practitioners and community members. The findings reveal that while residents are exposed to a range of information sources, including mass media, social media, and healthcare facilities, gaps in understanding persist due to inconsistent messaging, low health literacy, and cultural misconceptions. Health practitioners identified resource constraints, misinformation, and limited community engagement as major barriers to effective communication. The study underscores the need for coordinated, culturally tailored, and evidence-based communication strategies to improve public awareness of kidney disease and empower communities to adopt preventive measures. These insights highlight critical areas for policy intervention and public health campaigns in South-West Nigeria.

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