LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analysis of health communication practice in preventing covid 19 pandemic in three sub-cities in Hawassa city. From each subcities two kebeles and one health center, totally six kebeles and three health centers were used as data sources. The researcher employed both conceptual and theoretical frameworks which related with pandemic prevention and control strategy and health communication profession. In-depth interview, focus group discussion, and document analysis were employed to collect relevant qualitative data. The research reveals that health communication strategy is misused and wrongly understood because of political, religious, cultural and any other related factors affecting the practical application of strategy. Furthermore, the study found out that the health communication practitioners are Heath extension coordinator (HECs),Health Extension Workers (HEWs), and Model Health Communication Participants (MHCPs) in the study area. Most of the practitioners are no health communication professionals and they need to develop their knowledge and skills of communication.