HEALTH INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND UTILISATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG PATIENTS IN TERTIARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the health information-seeking behaviour and utilisation for the management of diabetes mellitus among patients in tertiary healthcare facilities in North central Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine the sources of health information used, the information needs of diabetic patients, the health information-seeking behaviour, the frequency of use of health information, the health information literacy skill, the level of satisfaction derived from using health information, the effect of health information seeking behaviour on mental health, the impact of health information seeking behaviour on diabetes management, the socio-economic determinants of health information seeking behaviour, and the challenges encountered in using health information. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study population was 406 diabetic patients drawn from seven (7) tertiary healthcare facilities in North-central Nigeria, of which the entire population was used. Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire. A total of 406 copies of the questionnaire were administered, of which 331 copies were retrieved and found usable, giving a response rate of 82%. Data collected were presented and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that diabetic patients sought information from booklets, brochures, and leaflets from clinics ( = 2.65), the Internet ( = 2.91), WhatsApp ( = 2.94), Facebook groups ( = 2.71), healthcare professionals ( = 2.72)and other diabetic patients ( = 3.10). The health information literacy skills of the respondents were: Computer and Internet navigation ( = 2.58), sharing health information across various platforms ( = 2.50), identifying health information sources ( = 2.63), recognising health information needs ( = 2.71) and how to use health information to make a good decision ( = 2.73). The result revealed further that the health information seeking behaviour of diabetic patients in tertiary healthcare facilities in North-central Nigeria has a significant influence on the management of diabetes mellitus (F (1,330) = 52.823; R = 0.357,R square = 0.127 and Adjusted R square = 0.126, P<0.05). In addition, health information utilisation of diabetic patients in tertiary healthcare facilities in North-central Nigeria has a significant influence on the management of diabetes mellitus with F (1,330) = 65.256 , R =0.595, R square = 0.354, Adjusted R square = 0.353, P<0.05). Moreover, the study revealedthat there is a significant influence of health information seeking behaviour and health information utilisation on the management of diabetes mellitus by diabetic patients in tertiaryhealthcare facilities in North central, Nigeria, F (2,329) = 36.015, R = 0.638, R square = 0.407, Adjusted R square = 0.406 and P<0.05). Some ofthe recommendations proffered werethat the management of the tertiary healthcare facility and the institution's library should continue to provide informative booklets and brochures in the facilities and libraries and develop a user-friendly website or portal dedicated to diabetes information. Health information providers should incentivise the active use of health information by diabetic patients. This initiative will encourage the use of health information, which would positivelyimpact the management of their health. Finally, the World Health Organisation and International Diabetic Federation should sponsor the publishing of diabetic information on booklets, brochures, leaflets, magazines, newspapers, WhatsApp groups, Instagram, blogs, Twitter, and broadcast media.