Information needs and seeking behavior among primary care physicians in Saudi Arabia: Implications for policy and practice

Abstract

This is an exploratory study conducted in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia to determine information needs and information-seeking behavior among rural and urban primary health care physicians. The study employed self-administered questionnaires to collect data on demographic characteristics, types of medical and health information needed, sources sought and barriers encountered by physicians. The questionnaires were distributed to all primary health care physicians in Riyadh region between August and November 2010. The results indicated that physicians in rural areas were less likely to have access to medical and health information than their counterparts in urban areas, particularly for modern sources such as online databases, medical journals and the Internet websites. Physicians in both geographical locations reported similar individual and organizational barriers that hinder using information resources. Acquiring primary care physicians, particularly in rural areas with access to medical and health information is vital in the provision of primary health services. Efforts are needed to facilitate primary health care facilities with necessary information infrastructure that help develop the profession and provide quality of health care to a large segment of the population who use such health facilities. Key words: Primary health care, rural, urban, information-seeking behavior, Saudi Arabia.