Exploring health communication strategies to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 in health centers in Ethiopia

Abstract

This study explored how health communication strategies were applied to health centers in Ethiopia to address the risks of COVID-19. To explore this issue, the theory of health communication was used as a lens to explore the strategic efforts of health centers and the problems they encountered when applying risk-minimization health communication strategies. Accordingly, a qualitative research approach was used to explore the issues of the pandemic in this study. Moreover, qualitative data were explored through in-depth interviews and group discussions. The participants were selected purposely to meet the purpose of the study. The main findings indicate that to play their role, the health centers in Bahir Dar town used a half-hazard communication system. The majority of practitioners are nonhealth communication professionals who need to improve their communication knowledge and skills. During an outbreak, health communication plays a role in interventions during the pandemic, but the government and health organizations are currently diverting their attention to other transmissible diseases, ethno-political conflicts, and current market inflation. We suggest that health centers revisit the current strategies used to minimize the risk of COVID-19.