Pages: (100-117 )
Abstract
Emergency toll-free services depend on public recognition, procedural understanding, and confidence in timely assistance. However, familiarity with an emergency number may not translate into informed use, limiting its contribution to emergency preparedness. This study examined awareness, knowledge, and use of Nigeria’s 112 emergency toll-free line among undergraduate students at Chrisland University, Abeokuta. Guided by Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Knowledge Gap Theory, the study adopted the cross-sectional survey design. A sample of 327 students was drawn from a population of 1,800. A structured Likert-scale questionnaire assessed awareness, knowledge, and practice, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .79, .81, and .83, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. Mean awareness and knowledge scores were 2.60 and 2.50, respectively, reflecting limited endorsement of the statements under the study’s scoring convention. The practice mean was 2.86, while previous utilisation was 15.86%. Awareness significantly predicted knowledge, F(1, 308) = 183.57, p < .001, β = .611, explaining 37.3% of its variance. Knowledge significantly predicted practice, F(1, 308) = 63.63, p < .001, β = .414, explaining 17.1% of its variance. Both null hypotheses were rejected. The findings indicate gaps between awareness, procedural understanding, and utilisation, with institutional distrust and functional uncertainty identified as potential barriers. The cross-sectional design precludes causal conclusions. Sustained awareness campaigns, university emergency preparedness education, supervised simulations, and improved service responsiveness are recommended to strengthen informed engagement with 112 and support students’ confidence in seeking assistance during emergencies.
Keywords: Keywords: Awareness, Emergency communication, Knowledge, Practice, Undergraduate students, 112 Emergency line,