Abstract

The aim of this research was to make recommendations to the public about the health risks of audio media exposure and share this information with their patients, families, and the community. A literature study was conducted on behavioral problems and on the use of audio-visual media to address these. Thereafter an empirical investigation was done by means of a case study design. Websites were also selected for addressing a variety of topics. The most important findings were that in the locality of Buea, many people have positive views about audio visual content. Majority of them find it rather entertaining and as such it always keeps them glued to it. The findings indicate that various media outlets help in spreading information about diseases and their means of prevention. It is concluded that many people use these contents frequently and they agree to a vast degree that audio visual content should be promoted. Based on the findings it was recommended that pediatricians Promote media education as a means to help mitigate some of the unhealthy effects of media.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study will be carried out in the   Buea Municipality; it focuses on audio visual media on Health outcome of rural audiences of Buea. It is limited to some rural communities in Buea Municipality who use the audio visual media in getting information

1.7 Significance of the work

This study will be a stepping stone to creating awareness on the important and relevance of audio visual media on health outcomes of the rural audience, since the study will be limited to some rural areas in Buea municipality, the researcher intends to educate the rural population who shall respond to these questionnaires on the importance of audio visual media tools on their health outcomes

To the rural audiences:

• This work will also be relevant to the rural audiences through recommendations that will be made; first and foremost, it is necessary that the rural audience be aware of effects of audio visual media on their health outcome, this will make them to invest more on audio visual tools so as to stay informed

To the Research Community

• To the body of knowledge, this piece of work will be a great contribution to the body of knowledge especially in the area of Health Outcomes, and to those carrying out research in this field of study, this piece of work might serve as a spring board for more investigation.
• Bases of literature review, this piece of work might serve as a source for consultations for reviewing in the area of audio visual media and Health Outcomes and finally this piece will help the researcher as a requirement for an award of BSC Degree in Journalism and mass communication and if accepted by the academia will form the basis for further research
• To the scholars especially JMC students, Jmc students can now consult this work as a reference when talking about audio visual media

1.8 DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS

THE MEDIA

Media is the plural of medium, which describes any channel of communication. This can include anything from printed paper to digital data and encompasses art, news, educational content and numerous other forms of information. Modern media come in so many ways print media (books, magazines and newspapers), Television, movies, video games, music, cell phones. Various type of software and internet.

Audiovisual Media

Audiovisual (AVC) is electronic media possessing both a sound and a visual component, such as slide-tape presentations, films, television programs, corporate conferencing, church services, and live theater productions. (Barman, 1984). 

Rural audience

Rural audience refers to the population in the rural area