BEYOND TECHNOLOGY: CONFRONTING COMMUNICATION BARRIERS TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE TELEHEALTH IN RURAL NIGERIA

Evelyn Chinwe Obi; Gloria Nneka Ono; Chiazor Anthonia Chiaghana; Ogechukwu Nkiru Okoli; Amaka Julieth Moneke

Authors

Evelyn Chinwe Obi Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1400-390X
Gloria Nneka Ono Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6754-4589
Chiazor Anthonia Chiaghana Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0717-7373
Ogechukwu Nkiru Okoli Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1071-4505
Amaka Julieth Moneke Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9362-1251

Keywords:

Telehealth communication, rural healthcare, Nigeria, digital literacy, communication barriers, healthcare access

Abstract

Telehealth has become an essential innovation in global healthcare delivery, bridging geographical barriers and providing remote medical access to underserved populations. In Nigeria, particularly, telehealth offers significant promise but faces multiple constraints that undermine its effectiveness. This position paper explores the communication-specific barriers that impede successful telehealth interactions between patients and healthcare providers in these areas. Beyond infrastructural limitations, issues such as low digital literacy, poor Internet connectivity, inconsistent power supply, linguistic differences, and socio-cultural expectations continue to obstruct effective communication and understanding. These barriers often result in misinterpretations, patient dissatisfaction, and reduced trust in virtual care systems. Drawing on recent empirical evidence and theoretical insights, this paper argues that improving telehealth outcomes in rural Nigeria requires not only technological investment but also the strengthening of communicative competence, enabling patients and providers to interact with clarity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. The paper proposes evidence-based strategies, including digital literacy training, culturally responsive communication frameworks, improved broadband access, and robust telehealth policy integration. By situating communication as the cornerstone of digital healthcare, this work contributes to the broader discourse on health equity, technology adoption, and sustainable telemedicine practices in Nigeria’s rural healthcare landscape.

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BEYOND TECHNOLOGY: CONFRONTING COMMUNICATION BARRIERS TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE TELEHEALTH IN RURAL NIGERIA

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