| Abstract: |
Maternal health is still a major issue of public health concern in
Anambra State, Nigeria, despite the government efforts, such
as the free maternal healthcare policy, to improve the situation.
Socio-cultural factors, poor awareness, and inefficient
communication methods are the main problems standing in the
way of proper maternal health practices. Aqualitative approach
using secondary data was employed to analyse public relations
strategies for raising maternal health awareness in Anambra
State. Thematic analysis was applied to literature, government
reports, media publications, and documented health campaigns
to explore women's awareness of maternal health, sociocultural effects on maternal health practices, and the role of PR
in increasing awareness. Among the points made in the
literature, culturally tailored PR campaigns, engagement of
community stakeholders, and multi-channel communication
approaches are cited as effective methods for promoting
maternal health awareness and changing health-seeking
behaviour positively. Various strategies are proposed like
audience-centered messaging, collaboration with opinion
leaders, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of PR
campaigns to accomplish the goal of sustainable improvement
in maternal health outcomes. The study noted the critical
importance of public relations in supporting government
policies and tackling socio-cultural hindrances to maternal
health in Anambra State. |
