ABSTRACT
The study examined the health information seeking behavior of doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun State. The study employed the survey design and the purposive sampling technique to select 450 staff across management, senior and junior level. A well-constructed questionnaire, which was adjudged valid and reliable, was used for collection of data from the respondents. The data obtained through the administration of the questionnaires was analyzed using the Pearson analysis.
The results revealed that: The health information needs of doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun State is potent. The results showed that the health information seeking methods is utilized amongst doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun State. The health information sources used by doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun State is potent. The frequency of use associated with health information sources of doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun State is supportive.
The study hereby concluded that health information seeking behavior is a crucial factor and strong predictor of doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun State performance. The study hereby suggest that the hospitals need to fully utilize fast information tracker to save retrieval time, save filing space, allow maximum communication low medical errors, low costs, and timely access to information, accurate data and high physical efficiency. The hospital need to be positive when it comes to passing information for processes improvement. The hospitals need to upgrade and use the existing information servers as a mode of passin quick and easy information. They also need to make available disaster backup for recovery in case it is affected by disaster like fire and water. They need to maintain statuesque within the doctors so they will feel recognised. The hospitals need to develop policies specifically focused on patients and management. All challenges should be addressed or prevented through the establishment and implementation of the management policy.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The present era is called the "information era". Things done in the world today require information which is the driving force to make timely and precise decisions. The usefulness of information starts from our homes to educational institutions, religious centers, corporate organizations and the society at large. Doctors need information to survive and work, no matter how vast the profession might seem to be. The kind of information obtained will determine the quality in decision making. According to Ugboma(2014) information is a major resource that is needed in every sphere of life endeavou especially in health matters. The quality of the decision made at any given time depends to a large extent on the type of information made available to one. In other words, no matter what you sincerely strive to do in life, information is very critical especially in health matters.
The search for information starts with the identification of the gap in knowledge, which the individual makes an effort to bridge. Ariyo (2011) opines that information assists in reducing the degree of uncertainity and ignorance in the operating environment. Information is indispensible in every facet of our day-to-day activities as such it is required to make relevant decision especially as regards citizenry health. However, lack of relevant health information could mean a lot of dire consequences on the part of the populace, as it could even lead to a higher fatality rate amongst citizens.
This could affect the decision as regards health facility to use, how to use and when to use the health information. Corragio (2013) avers that lack of information is the denial of choices and opportunities for living better life. Therefore, in the search for information, people make effort to contact relevant information sources to fill the gap in knowledge. Thus, the quality of information an individual receives enhances her rightful choices of health care as the case may be. Hence information itself has been recognized as a valuable resource required in every society it is an important tool used in the realization of any objective or goal set by an individual.
Thus, there arises the need for effective use of health information among medical doctors in teaching hospitals. Therefore, information need is the motivation people think and feel information, but it is a complex concept that divides researchers. Information need is when you acknowledge the existence of doubts. Information need in summary is used to reply the question about why people seek, gather, and utilize information. The need for information brings about information seeking behavior in search of reliable health information sources for the satisfaction of the information needs. Information seeking behavior refers to ways people search for and utilize information for the purposes of uncertainty reduction.
Information seeking is the process of obtaining information in both human and technological context. This requires medical doctors intentionally sourcing for health information from available technology to enhance their knowledge. Kingrey (2012), viewed information seeking as a cognitive exercise, as a social
and cultural exchange, as discrete strategies applied when confronting uncertainity, and a basic condition of humanity in which all humanity exists.
Ajiboye and Tella (2011) see information seeking behavior as the way and manner people gather and seek for information for their personal use, knowledge update and personal development. Users maybe limited by the organization they work for, by the nature of their work or profession, by age, sex, or other social groups. Information seeking behaviors are activities that people do when seeking for information in their homes, to keep them up -to- date with new technology, and in developing themselves mentally, emotionally. Since information is very sensitive depending on how it is been utilized, it can influence to even the slightest extent an individual either negatively or positively.
Health information is any information, whether oral or recorded in any form or medium, that is created or received by a healthcare provider, health planner, private health authority, employer, life insurer, school or university, hospitals, or health institutions at all levels, or healthcare clearing house among others; related to the past, or future physical or mental health conditions of an individual; the provision of health care to an individual(Association for healthcare philanthropy, 2009). Health information is the data related to a person's medical history, including symptoms, diagnosis, procedures and outcomes. A patients health information can be viewed individually, to see how a patient's health has changed; it can also be viewed as a part of a larger data set to understand how a population's health has changed; it can also be viewed as a part of a larger data set to understand how a population's health has changed and how medical interventions can change health outcomes.
Health seeking behavior is the ability of individuals (Doctors) to locate relevant health information sources that enhances ones wellbeing and reduces the risk of diseases. There are various sources people can consult on health information. Among them are libaries, internet, newspapers, television, books, lectures, colleagues, journals among others. Health Information seeking behavior is knowing what to do to stay healthy. According to Latin and American, and Carribean centre on health sciences information and World health organization BIREME/PAHO/WHO (2014). Health information is a vital resource for people who seek information for varying reasons as mere curiosity, self-diagnosis and analyzing and evaluating treatment for health. Doctors should derive suggestions to be in good health and nutritional status in order to achieve good health seeking behavior.
Medicine is the science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. Medicine encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illnesses.
Medicine has two basic meanings, it refers to
- The science of healing; the practice of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, and the promotion of health.
- Medications, drugs, substance used to treat and cure diseases, and to promote health. This condition of articles focuses on the science of healing, its history from prehistoric time until today, and the medications and healing methods used.
Most people call medicine a regulated patient-focused health profession which is devoted to the health and well-being of patients.
Whichever way medicine is described as the sole research of the same-diagnosis treatment and prevention of disease, caring for patients and a dedication to their health and well-being.
A teaching hospital is affiliated with a medical school, is used to train doctors, and often is involved in research. A teaching hospital most often times is affiliated to a University and work closely with medical students throughout their period of Matriculation, and especially during their Housemanship (internship)years. In most cases teaching Hospitals also offer Graduate Medical Education (GME)/ Physician residency programs, where medical school graduates train under a supervising (attending) physician to assist with the coordination of care.
At a teaching hospital, people encounter medical students in their final years of studying and who are training in patient care. One might also encounter fellows or residents who have graduated from medical school and are training in a specific area of medicine before they go on their own practices.
Some residents are referred to as interns. These Doctors are in their first year of their residency training. Some Teaching hospitals have other students as well, such as nursing students. Any student who is training in hospitals are closely supervised by others with more experience.
At teaching hospitals, a team of physicians might care for a patient . This means that your child could be seen and examined by several different people. Certain people feel a certain level of satisfaction at knowing that their relative or ward is throughly examined by getting multiple expert opinion, and a few other might feel offended as they might consider it being too intrusive into their privacy.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The practice of good health information seeking behavior is important amongst doctors, as it would help them stay sound and healthy and also ensure that their patients receive quality medical attention.
1.It has been observed that most medical doctors in teaching hospitals spend the bulk of their time in treating patients, and are in most cases overworked. This goes on to have an adverse effect when they start neglecting their immediate health need. This may in turn reduce their reduce their output quality to their patients.
2. There has been noticeable poor trend of the disposition doctors take on health information seeking behaviors, some exercise over confidence in their medical knowledge, even when they are ill, or having noticed symptoms of ill health with overwhelming indications.
3. Some Doctors t resort to self medication without going through specific test. It is in light of this, the study is keen at investigating the health information seeking behavior adopted by Medical Doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is to investigate the health information seeking behavior of Doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state. The specific objectives of the study are to ;
- Determine the Health information needs of Doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state.
- Find out the health information seeking behavior methods amongst medical doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state.
- Identify the health information sources used by Medical Doctors in teaching hospitals in ogun state.
- Assess the frequency of health information use by doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- What are the health information needs of doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state.
- What are the health information seeking methods utilized amongst doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state.
- What are the health information sources used by doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state.
- What is the frequency of use associated with health information sources of doctors in teaching hospitals in Ogun state.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study would serve as a further research to the existing body of knowledge in the editorials of health information seeking behaviors of doctors. This study will likewise help the doctors by highlighting the needs and challenges associated with information seeking by doctors. Little has been carried out on health information seeking behaviors of medical doctors in teaching hospitals ogun state. The outcome of this research study will be value to doctors by revealing a variety of information sources which would equip them in making informed decision that will contribute to medical results.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study covers doctors in Teaching Hospitals in Ogun state. With emphasis on Ogun State Teaching Hospital Sagamu. and Babcock University Teaching Hospital Ilishan Remo, all in Ogun state. The sample of the study will determine the extent to which the result will be generalized.
1.7 OPERATIONAL USE OF TERMS
INFORMATION: Information can be defined as data processed or transformed into meaningful form to enhance easy flow of message.
HEALTH INFORMATION: health information is a data related to a person's medical history, including symptoms, diagnosis, procedures and outcomes.
INFORMATION BEHAVIOR: Information behavior is the totality of human behavior in relation to sources and channels of information, including both active and passive information seeking and information use.
INFORMATION SEEKING: Is referred to as a conscious attempt to acquire information in response to a need or gap in your knowledge.
HEALTH INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR (HISB): Can be defined as the essential information required by doctors in order to develop good wellbeing.
TEACHING HOSPITALS: A teaching hospital is a hospital or medical centre that provides medical education and training to future and current health professionals.
DOCTORS:A physician, medical practitioner, medical doctor, or simply doctor is a professional who practices medicine, which is concerned with promoting , maintaining , or restoring health through the study.
