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Youth Engagement with Social Media Skits for Health Awareness in Nigeria: A Descriptive Study

A Descriptive Study

Emmanuel Olumuji | Bio
Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
Isaac Akerele | Bio
Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
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Copyright (c) 2025 Emmanuel Olumuji, Isaac Akerele (Author)

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Youth Engagement with Social Media Skits for Health Awareness in Nigeria: A Descriptive Study. (2025). De-Centre: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.36615/chctt594
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  • Submited: March 20, 2025
  • Published: September 2, 2025

Abstract

With the rise of social media in the digital age, new and more effective channels for delivering public health awareness messages have emerged. This study examines the exposure of the youth to health-related skits on social media and the appeals used to communicate messages that influence viewership and social behaviour. Media Richness Theory serves as the theoretical framework. The study reveals that social media skits effectively communicate health messages, with 72% of respondents reporting the adoption of positive health behaviours and 69.1% indicating that skits helped them discontinue negative health habits. The findings also highlight that fear-based appeals in skits are particularly effective in deterring harmful behaviours (74%), while humour appeals make respondents more receptive to health messages (63.7%). Despite the uncertainty regarding the credibility of information in skits, a vast majority (91.4%) believe that professional health organisations should utilise skits as a medium for dissemination of public health campaigns. The study concludes that social media skits are promising tool for promoting health awareness. It recommends that health bodies and public health communication authorities should leverage the power of humour to enhance public health message retention and impact. Additionally, skit content creator through collaboration with health experts should ensure the generation of credible skits.

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How to Cite
Youth Engagement with Social Media Skits for Health Awareness in Nigeria: A Descriptive Study. (2025). De-Centre: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.36615/chctt594

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