AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

DIGITAL HEALTH COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS AND PERCEIVED NORMS OF DRUG USE AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Author:  UDUAK UDO UDOM, ANTHONY IGIRI & NICHOLAS EGERE, Ph.D

Abstract
This study examined digital health communication campaigns and how they shaped students' beliefs about drug use in tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State. The aim of the study was to assess students’ level of exposure to digital health campaigns, to examine what they believed was normal or acceptable about drug use, and to find out if these campaigns had any effect on how they viewed drug use. The study adopted a cross- sectional survey design to gather data from students at a single point in time. The population consisted of 55,849 male and female students from different tertiary institutions across the state. A sample size of 381 students was selected using the Krejcie and Morgan formula. The data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using weighted mean scores (WMS) and standard deviation. Findings showed that many students (WMS = 2.92) took part in digital health campaigns by liking, sharing, or joining health discussions online. It was also found that some students believed it was okay to try drugs in certain situations like parties or to reduce stress. Also, the study showed that digital health campaigns helped many students think differently about drug use and even changed how they talked about it with their friends. The study concluded that digital health messages reached students and shaped their thoughts, but more engagement was still needed. It recommended that schools and health groups improve online campaigns, guide students on drug-related beliefs, and use friendly platforms to reach more young people.