Analysis of Health Workers’ Use of Libraries and Digital Platforms in Accessing and Sharing Health Information in Tanzania

Abstract

Background Health information comprises valuable data and knowledge that supports healthcare delivery. Although libraries and digital platforms are valuable for providing health information, there is a lack of documentation regarding their use by health workers in Tanzania. This study sought to analyze health workers’ use of libraries and digital platforms to access and share health information. Method A cross-sectional study using a mixed research approach was conducted from August to September 2022 at primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities in Kilimanjaro and Mbeya regions. Semi-structured questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from 500 health workers from all selected health facilities in all regions. IBM SPSS version 21 was used to analyze quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Very few health workers (32.6%) used libraries while lack of physical libraries, limited time, and use of mobile phones hindered health workers from using libraries to access and share health information. Most of the health workers (56%) used digital platforms to access and share health information. Insufficient skills, lack of internet connectivity, and high cost of internet bundles limited health workers from utilizing digital platforms for accessing and sharing health information. Conclusion Many health workers do not use libraries and digital platforms to access and share health information. As a result, efforts should be made to increase the use of libraries and digital platforms among health workers to increase access to reliable and relevant health information to improve the quality of healthcare services.