Follow-up of Bani Waleed University Students for Health Programs in Libyan Satellite Channels and Their Evaluation of Content and Persuasive Methods: A Field Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the patterns of Bani Waleed University students’ exposure to health programs broadcast on Libyan satellite channels and to examine their evaluation of the programs’ content and persuasive methods. The study focused on the programs With Dr. Abdel Qader Al-Masri on Libya Al-Ahrar Channel and With Al-Hakim on Libya Panorama Channel. A descriptive-analytical approach was employed, and a questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 201 male and female students from the Faculty of Arts at Bani Waleed University. The results showed a high level of interest in following health programs among the respondents. The night period was the most preferred viewing time, followed by the evening period, while most respondents watched satellite channels for one to two hours. The majority considered the duration of the health programs sufficient and found the terminology used in them understandable. Respondents also showed interest in following the health advice and guidelines presented in these programs. Regarding the persuasive methods used in the two programs, 36.5% of the respondents rated them as acceptable, 32.9% as good, and 30.6% as weak. The findings further indicated that the amount of health information presented was considered moderate, while the majority of respondents believed that the broadcast times of the health programs did not meet audience preferences. The findings highlight the importance of developing television health programs by improving the clarity of their content, diversifying their persuasive methods, and ensuring that their broadcast schedules are more compatible with audience viewing preferences.