Factors Influencing Health Information-seeking Behavior among Health Care Providers at Health Facilities in Tanga Region: A Case Study of Muhef Project

Abstract

In Tanzania, health information-seeking behavior among health care providers is not yet fascinating enough to provide high quality health services. Little is known about how health care providers integrate what they find from various information sources, to improve both preventive and curative health services. The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing health information-seeking behavior and utilization of ICT resources among health care providers to provide high quality health services. A cross sectional study was conducted in July 2008 among 202 health care providers in Tanga region. The results show that health care providers located in urban areas were more likely to search health information and use it than those in rural areas (OR =14.18; 95% CI: 1.96, 288.6). Health care providers in both urban and rural health facilities should continuously be trained on how to search and use health information. 1. Background Information-seeking behavior has been defined by Wilson as 'the totality of human behavior in relation to sources and channels of information, including both active and passive information-seeking and information use' [1]. Information-seeking behavior by health professionals embraces a pattern of information resource use, time spent searching, barriers to information searching and information searching skills [2]. The development of knowledge among health care providers is dependent on continuing access to relevant, reliable information through effective cooperation and flow of information among all stakeholders involved in the provision and use of information [3]. Health care systems around the world are facing major challenges related to communicable diseases, chronic diseases, demographic changes, nursing shortages, medical accidents and rising costs [4]. Health care service in the rural areas where most of the communities live is abhorrently inadequate [5]. WHO reported that the use of ICTs in health is not merely about technology, but a means to reach a series of desired outcomes, such as enabling health workers making better treatment decisions, hospitals providing higher quality and safer care, people making informed choices about their own health, governments becoming more responsive to health needs, national and local information systems supporting the development of effective, efficient and equitable health systems, policy makers and the public aware being of the made health risks and people having better access to the information and knowledge they need for better health [6]. Cost-effective methods are needed to identify and build key information skills for each professional group (nurse, doctor, researcher, librarian, and journal editor)-different groups will require different levels and types of skills basic training and continuing professional development should be tailored accordingly [3]. Many of the practical frustrations encountered by participants in the health care system in Africa can be due to lack of accurate and timely access to health information. Many of the deaths in Africa could have been avoided and several of the problems faced by health professionals could have been overcome by adequate supply of information at hand when needed. Information and communication technologies could provide fast, efficient and cheap access to information leading to dramatic improvements in access to advice and care [7]. ICT provides opportunities for individuals, medical professionals and health care providers at all levels to be able to, obtain information, communicate with professionals, and deliver first-line support especially where distance is a critical factor and promotion of preventive health programmes [8]. It is crucial that every member has access to the information resources that are made available to them so as to suffice their needs or those they serve [9].