Sippin’ on some sizzurp

Abstract

Using Entman’s framing theory, we explored primary news frames in Nigerian newspaper coverage of national opioid abuse. Results yielded 12 news frames: 5 causal frames (Poor governance, Trauma coping mechanism, The perfect trafficking hub, Corrosive culture, Performance boosters), 3 consequential frames (Nigeria as a failing state, Thriving Black Market demand, Uptick in criminal kinsmen: fraudsters and terrorists) and 4 solution frames (Hawkeyed pharmacovigilance, Policy power plays, Drug rehab health services, All hands on deck: strengthening societal values). These research insights represent one of few communication studies on African opioid abuse and offer cultural context for future health intervention strategies.