Influence of Mass Media Nutrition Messages on Dietary Practices of Urban Adults in Abuja

This study examines the influence of mass media nutrition messages on the dietary practices of urban adults in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. Mass media, including television, radio, and digital platforms, represents a principal channel through which nutrition information reaches populations outside formal educational settings. Using a cross-sectional analytical design, the study targets 380 adults aged 25 to 55 in Garki, Wuse, and Karu urban areas of Abuja. Data were collected using a media exposure questionnaire, nutrition knowledge test, and a validated dietary practice scale. Objectives include measuring the frequency and source of media nutrition message exposure, assessing respondents' nutrition knowledge, and quantifying the independent contribution of media exposure to dietary practice quality. Analytical methods include multiple regression, path analysis, and Pearson correlation. The Cultivation Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model jointly anchor the study, addressing both habitual media effects and persuasion processing. Recent literature from Nigerian urban settings confirms that television and social media are the most potent mass media channels for dietary behaviour change, particularly among working-age adults. Findings are expected to reveal that media nutrition message quality and consistency, more than frequency, predict dietary practice improvements. Recommendations address the Federal Ministry of Health, national broadcasters, and digital health communication specialists in Nigeria. Keywords: mass media, nutrition messages, dietary practices, urban adults, Abuja.