BIDA SOLUSYON SA COVID-19: ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study sought to assess the public health communication campaigns of the Department of Health (DOH) by students of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the level of exposure and level of awareness of the respondents on the public health communication campaigns used by the DOH; identify the respondent’s perception on the effectiveness of the BIDA Solusyon sa Covid-19 campaign in terms of message delivery, style and medium used; and the perceived impact of the campaigns used by the DOH to the respondents. Mixed method approach (quantitative and qualitative approach) was utilized in the assessment of public health communication campaigns used by the DOH without manipulating the variables. One hundred (100) college students from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation were selected as respondents of this study for the quantitative approach. For the qualitative approach, five (5) college students were selected. The data collected from quantitative approach was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, percentage, and weighted mean, while the data collected from qualitative approach was analyzed through thematic analysis. Results revealed that the respondents and subjects of the study have seen the BIDA Solusyon sa Covid-19 campaign of the Department of Health through various platforms, specifically in social media, YouTube advertisement, television, radio and posters. Likewise, the respondents and subjects of the study were very highly aware on the public health communication campaigns of the DOH during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from that, they perceived that the content/message, style used, and medium used in the campaign was very effective. The content/message of the campaign conveys a simple and effective message, appeals to all people of all ages, and the Department of Health has maximized different kinds of platforms in disseminating the campaign to the public. Lastly, the respondents and subjects of the study agrees that the BIDA Solusyon sa Covid-19 campaign of the Department of Health provided a very strong impact. They have applied the information and direction on ways to prevent from getting infected by the Covid-19 virus, specifically by following the minimum standard health protocols implemented nationwide.