Factors influencing health information-seeking behavior among health care providers in Tanga region, Tanzania: a case study of MUHEF project

Abstract

In Tanzania, health information-seeking behavior among health care providers is not yet fascinating enough to provide high quality health services. Little is known about problems that preempt health care providers to look for information, and how they integrate what they find into their actions, to improve both preventive and curative health services in Tanga Region. The aim of the study was to determine factors influencing health information-seeking behavior and utilization of ICT resources among health care providers in Tanga region. A cross sectional study was conducted in July 2008 among 202 health care providers in Tanga region. Questionnaires were administered to find out what types of health information are searched by health care providers and their sources. Of the 202 health care providers, 52% reported that they knew how to use a computer, 48% had access to a computer and 36% reported that they didn't have access to internet services. Providers who knew how to use a computer were more likely to have access to health information (OR = 43.3, 95% CI: 17.3, 111.6). Thirty six percent of the providers reported that they sought the information to update their knowledge about diseases and new health technologies. Sources of information most preferred included textbooks (34.1%), colleagues (28.8%) and mobile telephones (21.1 %). Barriers to seeking health information included lack of skills to search health information (17%) and lack of reading culture (15%). Urban location of the health facility was found to be strongly associated with health care provider's health information-seeking behavior (OR =14.18; 95% CI: 1.96, 288.6). Health care providers located in urban areas were more likely to search health information and use it than those in rural areas. Previous training on how to search information was not associated with improved health information-seeking behavior. The study recommends that health care providers in both urban and rural health facilities should continuously be trained on how to search and use health information.