Background: Accessibility and use of the internet-based health information are vital concepts in healthcare delivery. The Internet is changing not only the way patients get health information, but the way they interact with their healthcare providers and others alike. Several studies have explored the use of the Internet by the healthcare providers. However little is known about the extent to which individual patients use the Internet for their own personal healthcare information needs. Objective: This present study determined basic IT knowledge, skills and access to internet-based health information to address personal healthcare needs of the University of Ibadan employees. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that deployed multi-stage sampling techniques. Result: Four hundred and two (82.0%) of the 488 questionnaires distributed were analyzed. There were more (292, 72.6%) non-teaching participants in the study. All (402, 100%) participants were conversant with internet-based health information which was reported to have met their basic health needs. They all (402, 100%) admitted that internet-based health information could be easily understood, and they mostly sought for it to equip themselves with prior knowledge on their ailments. However, the majority (398, 97.0%) searched for internet-based health information because they reported to have lost confidence in their healthcare providers. Conclusion: It is obvious from this study that most employees of University of Ibadan appreciated the importance of internet-based health information for personal healthcare and seek it for diverse personal reasons. The outcome of this study has the potentials to prepare healthcare professionals for dealing appropriately with internet-informed patients and restore their confidence. The Nigerian healthcare systems need to formulate policies on access and use of internet-based health information by their patients.
| Published in |
American Journal of Health Research (Volume 3, Issue 1-1)
This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Information Technology in Developing Nations: Challenges and Prospects Health Information Technology |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14 |
| Page(s) | 25-31 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Academics, Access, Knowledge, Health Information, Internet-Based Health Information, Personal Healthcare, Use
| [1] | I. T. Adeleke, M. A. Asiru, B. M. Oweghoro, A. B. Jimoh, A. M. Ndana. Computer and internet use among tertiary healthcare providers and trainees in a Nigerian public hospital. American Journal of Health Research. Special Issue: Health Information Technology in Developing Nations: Challenges and Prospects Health Information Technology. 2015;3(1-1):1-10. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.11 |
| [2] | I. T. Adeleke, A. H. Lawal, R. A. Adio, A. A. Adebisi. Information technology skills and training needs of health information management professionals in Nigeria: a nationwide study. Health Information Management Journal, 2014. doi.org/10.12826/18333575.2014.0002.Adeleke. |
| [3] | P. L. Knox. Medical deprivation, area deprivation and public policy. Social Science and Medicine. 2009; 13:111-121. |
| [4] | P. Whitten, M. Notman, C. Maynard, R. Henry, R. Glandon. Interactive health communication technologies in the public health sector: positive perceptions still outpace actual utilization. J Technol HumServ 2004; 22: 25-40. |
| [5] | J. G. Anderson. Consumers of ehealth: patterns of use and barriers. Soc Sci Comp Rev. 2004;22:242-8. |
| [6] | V. Thurmond. Telehealth in the Year 2010. Online Journal of Health Informatics. Available at: www.ojni.org/52/article3.htm Accessed on: December 4, 2014. |
| [7] | G. Dolan, R. Iredale, R. Williams, J. Ameen. Consumer use of the internet for health information: a survey of primary care patients. International Journal of Consumer Studies. 2004; 28(2):147–153. |
| [8] | J. Shapiro. Patients turn to the Internet for health information, 2007. Available at: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15166387. Accessed on December 5, 2014. |
| [9] | Anonymous. Roundtable on Health Literacy; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Institute of Medicine (10 February 2012). Facilitating state health exchange communication through the use of health literate practices: workshop summary. National Academies Press, p1. ISBN978-0-309-22029-2. |
| [10] | A. Pleasant, J. McKinney. Coming to consensus on health literacy measurement: an online discussion and consensus-gauging process. Nursing Outlook. 2011;59(2):95-106. doi:10.1010/j.outlook.2010.12.006. |
| [11] | N. Mead, R. Varnam, A. Rogers, M. Roland. What predicts patients' interest in the Internet as a health resource in primary care in England? Journal of Health Services Research and Policy. 2003;8(1):33-39. |
| [12] | L. M. Verhoef, T. H. Van de Belt, L. J. Engelen, L. Schoonhoven, R. B. Kool. Socil media and rating sites as tools to understanding quality care: a scoping review. J Med Internet Res. 2014;16(2):e56. PMID: 24566844. |
| [13] | E. Murray, L. Bernard, P. Lance, et al. The impact of health information on the Internet on the physician-patient relationship: patient perceptions. Arch Intern Med. 2003; 163: 1727-34. Available at: www.archinte.jamanetwork.com Accessed on December 6, 2014. |
| [14] | S. Fox. The social life of health 2011. Available at: www.pewinterrel.org/files/old-media/files/Reports/2011/PIP_Social_life_of_Health_Info.pdf. Accessed on: November 5, 2014. |
| [15] | H. Taylor, R. Leitman. The increasing impact of eHealth on consumer behavior. Health Care News. 2001;1(21):1-9. |
| [16] | P. M. Fayers, M. A. Sprangers. Understanding self-rated health. Lancet. 2002;359, 187-8. |
| [17] | K. T. Houston, J. J. Allison. Users of internet health information:Differences by health status. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2002;4(2):e7. |
| [18] | L. Baker, T. H. Wagner, S. Singer, M. K. Bundorf. Use of the Internet and email for healthcare information. JAMA. 2003;289:2400-06. |
| [19] | A. Coulter, J. Ellins, D. Swain, et al. Assessing the quality of information to support people in making decisions about their health and healthcare. Picker Institute, Europe. Available at: www.pickereurope.org Accessed on: December 6, 2014. |
| [20] | G. Seckin. Patients as information managers: the internet for successful self-healthcare and illness management. Open Longevity Science. 2010; 4: 36-42. |
| [21] | B. K. Rimer, E. J. Lyons, K. M. Ribisl, et al. How new subscribers use cancer-related online mailing lists. J Med Internet Res 2005;7(3):e32. doi:10.2196/jmir.7.3.e32. |
| [22] | J. Fulk, J. Schmitz, C. Steinfield. A social influence model of technology use. In: J. Fulk & C. Steinfield, Organisations and Communication Technology, Newbury Park, Sage. 1990: pp.117-140. |
| [23] | V. Venkatesh, F. D. Davis. A theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model: four longitudinal field studies. Management Science. 2000;46(2):186 –204. |
| [24] | D. Gustafson, R. Hawkins, F. McTavish, et al. (2008): Internet-based interactive support for cancer patients: are integrated systems better? J Commun; 58: 238-57. |
| [25] | D. H. Gustafson, R. Hawkins, E. Boberg, et al. Impact of a patient-centred, computer-based health information/support system. Am J Prev Med 1999;16(1):1-9. |
| [26] | L. A. Huryk. Factors influencing nurses’ attitudes towards healthcare information technology. Journal of Nursing Management. 2010;18(5): 606-612. |
| [27] | Institute of Medicine. To err is human: building a safer health system. Institute of Medicine Report on Medical Errors. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2000. |
| [28] | B. S. Gerber, A. R. Eiser. The patient-physician relationship in the Internet age: future prospects and the research agenda. J Med Internet Res 2001;3(2):e15. doi:10.2196/jmir.3.2.e15. PMID: 11720957 PMCID: PMC1761896. |
| [29] | I. T. Adeleke, S. A. Erinle, A. M. Ndana, T. C. Anamah, O. A. Ogundele, D. Aliyu. Health information technology in Nigeria: stakeholders’ perspectives of nationwide implementations and meaningful use of the emerging technology in the most populous black nation. American Journal of Health Research. Special Issue: Health Information Technology in Developing Nations: Challenges and Prospects Health Information Technology. 2015; 3(1-1): 17-24. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.13. |
| [30] | M. Lauterslager, H. J. Brouwer, J. Mohrs, P. J. E. Bindels, H. G. L. M. Grundmeijer. The patient as a source to improve medical record. Family Practice. 2002;19(2):167-171. |
| [31] | K. Luxford, S. Sutton. How does patient experience fit into the overall healthcare picture? Patient Experience Journal. 2014;1(1):20-27. |
| [32] | P. Rost. People should not trust their doctors. Available at: www.hiffingtopost.com/dr-peter-rost/dont-trust-your-doctor_b_18997.html. Accessed on December 8, 2014. |
| [33] | S. Joffe, M. Manocchia, J. C. Weeks, P. D. Cleary. What do patients value in their hospital care? An empirical perspective on autonomy centred bioethics. J Med Ethics. 2003;29:103–108. doi: 10.1136/jme.29.2.103. |
| [34] | D. A. Gust, A. Kennedy, I. Shui, P. J. Smith, G. Nowak, L. K. Pickering. Parent attitudes toward immunizations and healthcare providers. Am J Prev Med. 2005;29(2):105–112. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2005.04.010. |
APA Style
Benson Macaulay Oweghoro, Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke, Patricia Philip Mshelia, Lateef Mosebolatan Ogundiran, Aivonya Momoh Jimoh Yusuf, et al. (2014). Knowledge, Access and Use of Internet-Based Health Information for Personal Healthcare among Employees of the Foremost Nigerian University. American Journal of Health Research, 3(1-1), 25-31. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14
ACS Style
Benson Macaulay Oweghoro; Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke; Patricia Philip Mshelia; Lateef Mosebolatan Ogundiran; Aivonya Momoh Jimoh Yusuf, et al. Knowledge, Access and Use of Internet-Based Health Information for Personal Healthcare among Employees of the Foremost Nigerian University. Am. J. Health Res. 2014, 3(1-1), 25-31. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14
AMA Style
Benson Macaulay Oweghoro, Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke, Patricia Philip Mshelia, Lateef Mosebolatan Ogundiran, Aivonya Momoh Jimoh Yusuf, et al. Knowledge, Access and Use of Internet-Based Health Information for Personal Healthcare among Employees of the Foremost Nigerian University. Am J Health Res. 2014;3(1-1):25-31. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14
Share This Article
Twitter
Linked In
Facebook
Copy
Download@article{10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14,
author = {Benson Macaulay Oweghoro and Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke and Patricia Philip Mshelia and Lateef Mosebolatan Ogundiran and Aivonya Momoh Jimoh Yusuf and Deborah Ifeoluwa Adeoti},
title = {Knowledge, Access and Use of Internet-Based Health Information for Personal Healthcare among Employees of the Foremost Nigerian University},
journal = {American Journal of Health Research},
volume = {3},
number = {1-1},
pages = {25-31},
doi = {10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14},
abstract = {Background: Accessibility and use of the internet-based health information are vital concepts in healthcare delivery. The Internet is changing not only the way patients get health information, but the way they interact with their healthcare providers and others alike. Several studies have explored the use of the Internet by the healthcare providers. However little is known about the extent to which individual patients use the Internet for their own personal healthcare information needs. Objective: This present study determined basic IT knowledge, skills and access to internet-based health information to address personal healthcare needs of the University of Ibadan employees. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that deployed multi-stage sampling techniques. Result: Four hundred and two (82.0%) of the 488 questionnaires distributed were analyzed. There were more (292, 72.6%) non-teaching participants in the study. All (402, 100%) participants were conversant with internet-based health information which was reported to have met their basic health needs. They all (402, 100%) admitted that internet-based health information could be easily understood, and they mostly sought for it to equip themselves with prior knowledge on their ailments. However, the majority (398, 97.0%) searched for internet-based health information because they reported to have lost confidence in their healthcare providers. Conclusion: It is obvious from this study that most employees of University of Ibadan appreciated the importance of internet-based health information for personal healthcare and seek it for diverse personal reasons. The outcome of this study has the potentials to prepare healthcare professionals for dealing appropriately with internet-informed patients and restore their confidence. The Nigerian healthcare systems need to formulate policies on access and use of internet-based health information by their patients.},
year = {2014}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Knowledge, Access and Use of Internet-Based Health Information for Personal Healthcare among Employees of the Foremost Nigerian University AU - Benson Macaulay Oweghoro AU - Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke AU - Patricia Philip Mshelia AU - Lateef Mosebolatan Ogundiran AU - Aivonya Momoh Jimoh Yusuf AU - Deborah Ifeoluwa Adeoti Y1 - 2014/12/31 PY - 2014 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14 DO - 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14 T2 - American Journal of Health Research JF - American Journal of Health Research JO - American Journal of Health Research SP - 25 EP - 31 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2330-8796 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2015030101.14 AB - Background: Accessibility and use of the internet-based health information are vital concepts in healthcare delivery. The Internet is changing not only the way patients get health information, but the way they interact with their healthcare providers and others alike. Several studies have explored the use of the Internet by the healthcare providers. However little is known about the extent to which individual patients use the Internet for their own personal healthcare information needs. Objective: This present study determined basic IT knowledge, skills and access to internet-based health information to address personal healthcare needs of the University of Ibadan employees. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that deployed multi-stage sampling techniques. Result: Four hundred and two (82.0%) of the 488 questionnaires distributed were analyzed. There were more (292, 72.6%) non-teaching participants in the study. All (402, 100%) participants were conversant with internet-based health information which was reported to have met their basic health needs. They all (402, 100%) admitted that internet-based health information could be easily understood, and they mostly sought for it to equip themselves with prior knowledge on their ailments. However, the majority (398, 97.0%) searched for internet-based health information because they reported to have lost confidence in their healthcare providers. Conclusion: It is obvious from this study that most employees of University of Ibadan appreciated the importance of internet-based health information for personal healthcare and seek it for diverse personal reasons. The outcome of this study has the potentials to prepare healthcare professionals for dealing appropriately with internet-informed patients and restore their confidence. The Nigerian healthcare systems need to formulate policies on access and use of internet-based health information by their patients. VL - 3 IS - 1-1 ER -
Information
Email: