Mass media and community health in the Akotokyir community of Cape Coast - Ghana

Abstract

It has been argued that even though bro~d-spectrum pproaches to health promotion, using mass communication methods, may not be effective, they are still useful as' sources of health information and in reaching .hidden groups in the general population. The effectiveness of promoting community health through various approaches in the mass media has been questioned. Therefore, in what ways can there be rapid improvement in community health using the mass media? This paper engages in a qualitative .interrogation of mass media effects on health the Akotokyir commun(ty 0.1Cape Coast in Ghana. The paper argues that the mass media within the Cape Coast Municipality have largely failed to lead to positive changes in Community health statuses; some of the reasons for this failure are examined. The paper then offers some recommendations, stressing the need or an integrated municipal health campaign that is culture-specific and sustainable over a long period of time