Online Health Information Seeking Pattern Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University

Oluwaseun I Obasola,Ojo Melvin Agunbiade

doi:10.1177/2158244016635255

Abstract

Based on a cross-sectional design, this study investigates online health seeking and its possible influence on decision making among 400 university undergraduates in Nigeria. From the results, it was found that daily Internet use was on the average (33.7%), and use was constrained by the poor power supply, the high cost of the Internet access, and poor delivery of services. Health information sought covers nutrition, fitness/exercise, HIV/AIDS, malaria, sore throat, mental health, menstrual pain, and sexual/reproductive health. The majority (72.7%) who perceived available health information as accurate and dependable had an opportunity to seek similar information on their health conditions from different online sources. A high proportion (202) claimed that they consulted a physician after that, just a few (54) of the respondents consulted a traditional healer, and a few others relied on self-medication (10%) or asked friends for suggestions (11%). Thus, there is a need to provide reliable Internet connection and enlighten the Nigerian youth on criteria for assessing quality online health information.

Highlights

The Internet is revolutionizing interpersonal relations with the availability and growing acceptance of online social networks
The frequency of Internet use on a daily basis was on the average (33.7%) when compared with those who access the Internet for health-related information on a weekly basis (22.2%)
With the poor access and urge to quickly surf the Internet for health-related information, the chances are high that inadequate information may be sought

Summary

Introduction

The Internet is revolutionizing interpersonal relations with the availability and growing acceptance of online social networks. Youth from different cultures subscribe and access all sorts of information from these platforms Through this process of networking and information sharing, knowledge is developed and possibly deployed as individuals or group members may deem fit. These include acquiring and sharing of information on health and other topical issues. Some countries have called for censoring and restricted access, and some have argued in favor of unrestricted access (Warf, 2011) To the latter group, unlimited Internet access is indispensable for information dissemination as it has the potential of promoting the health and well-being of different social groups, especially the youth

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion