Journal of Health Information and Librarianship
Journal of Health Information and Librarianship (JoHIL) is a peer-reviewed, open-access international journal published by the Medical Library Association of Nigeria (MLA-NG). JoHIL's target audience includes librarians, information scientists, specialists, managers and educators. JoHIL is one of the foremost health information science journals in Africa.
Digital Competence and Medical Databases Usage of Nursing Students in a Nigerian Private University
Background: Medical databases are collections of medical information that are stored electronically in an organized manner for easy accessibility. Digital competence is an essential skill for Nigerian university nursing students for effective utilization of digital tools to care for patients. The study assessed medical database availability and nursing students' digital literacy at a Nigerian private university, exploring awareness levels, available resources, and challenges faced with these databases. Method: The study used a descriptive survey design with a structured self-designed Google form questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The form was sent out through the students’ WhatsApp forum. One hundred and eighty students participated in the study from 100 to 500 levels. The data was analysed using simple frequency and percentages with SPSS software package. Results: Out of 180 participants, 90% were female and 10% male. Most found online academic research easy, with 73.9% in strong agreement. Popular databases included Hinari, Embase, and JSTOR. Other known databases revealed are Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE), National Virtual Library, and Proquest were less known. Major challenges identified were database search difficulties and poor awareness. Conclusion: Many of the respondents had basic knowledge of computer usage; however, some could not search and access medical databases effectively. The results revealed that respondent’s level of awareness of medical databases was poor; the study, therefore, recommends training and awareness programs on the available medical databases to enable nursing students to develop necessary skills that would ease medical databases accessibility and usage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Health Information and Librarianship https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Impact of Social Media Usage on the Mental Health of Academic Librarians at Bayero University, Kano
Background: Social media (SM) has become essential for academic librarians. It facilitates professional networking, information sharing, and career development. However, excessive engagement may lead to stress, anxiety, and work-life imbalance. This study examines the patterns, benefits, and challenges of SM use among academic librarians at Bayero University, Kano (BUK). Method: A quantitative research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire distributed to 41 academic librarians across BUK. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS to determine SM usage patterns, perceived benefits, challenges, and emotional impact. Results: Findings revealed that WhatsApp (78.0%) and Facebook (53.7%) were the most commonly used SM platforms for professional development. A majority of respondents (75.6%) engaged SM daily, primarily for information sharing (87.8%) and networking (78.0%). While 73.2% reported a positive impact on work-life balance, some librarians experienced stress due to social comparison (31.7%) and institutional support gaps (41.5%). Additionally, 68.3% expressed interest in training on managing the emotional effects of SM use. Conclusion: Although SM offers substantial professional benefits, its prolonged use can contribute to emotional strain. The study recommends institutional policies on digital well-being, structured training sessions, and enhanced organizational support for optimal SA engagements. These measures can help academic librarians leverage SM effectively while minimizing psychological effects.
Theory of Information Behaviour as a Theoretical Framework for Understanding Non-Compliance to Child Spacing Information: A Fresh Perspective for Designing Child Spacing Information Services and Communication Programs
Background: Non-compliance with child spacing is a major public health problem and a leading cause of maternal mortality. This study aimed to explore the socio-cultural reasons for non-compliance with child spacing information. Using Chatman’s (2000) theory of normative behaviour as a theoretical framework to guide the investigation. Method: The study adopted an interpretative research paradigm and also a qualitative research method, guided data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, and discussion of findings. Twenty-five childbearing women were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. The study adopted an analytic inductive process to identify 235 narratives explaining socio-cultural reasons for non-compliance with child spacing information. The narratives are organised into 13 recurring topics and further collapsed into six emergent categories to explain the socio-cultural reasons for non-compliance with child spacing information. Results: Findings indicated that availability of child spacing information, Beliefs, and practice related to child spacing information, spouse resistance to child spacing information, fear and misinformation relating to child spacing information, suspicion of Western people, distrust in mass media and health care providers are the major findings of this study. Conclusion: Findings interpreted using Chatman’s (2000) theory of normative behaviour conclude that for there to be a sustained acceptance and use of child spacing methods, there is a critical need for child spacing information program, to design child spacing information services based on the social and cultural dynamics of the child-bearing women who are resistance to child spacing information and services. Future research areas for sustained acceptance of the child spacing information services are identified.
ABSTRACTS OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 14TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE MEDICAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA
6 - 11 October, 2024 | Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Health Information and Librarianship https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The influence of social media in fuelling health-related disinformation, misinformation, false information and infodemics
Background: The proliferation of health information in Internet-based programming, in particular, social media, has introduced novel challenges for promoting health in society. As such, it is imperative to devise innovative approaches to overcome these challenges. such as social media, health advocates are faced with great challenges of curtailing the spread of false and inadequate information especially in public health emergencies where the lack of verifiable sources of health information may disrupt existing health service delivery. Risk communication is an important health communication strategy, but when it is not properly managed, it degenerates into infodemics. A situation that is very harmful to health promotion. This paper explores the influence of social media on health information promotion and provides a guide to managing information for behavioural change in health promotion. Contents from individual and group pages were purposively selected from two social media, namely, Facebook and WhatsApp. The researchers adopted qualitative content analysis in analysing the data. A few cases, such as the case of chloroquine publicity and incautious use of medical plants as alternative medicine in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, were purposively selected from WhatsApp and Facebook accounts. The result shows that as relevant as social media is to health advocacy, it is not devoid of spreading unfathomable information to the general public. This degenerates into a case of infodemics which has constituted a clog in the wheel of health promotion. In this contemporary world, where diverse races and nations have been levelled up on the platform of information access through social media tools, the spread of information on health management of an ailment or during an outbreak has often been characterised by a lack of control, quality, and reliability. The report of cases and management of an epidemic on social media tools are usually overblown to the extent that what normally should have been a solution becomes a catalyst for the spread of the initial problem.
Determining the Information-Seeking Strategies of Registered Nurses in General Hospitals of Jigawa State
The paper investigates the information-seeking strategies of nurses in Dutse General Hospitals in Jigawa State, Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to determine the information-seeking strategy of registered nurses in the state. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised all (384) registered nurses in the general hospitals in Jigawa state. Total enumeration technique was used. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) copies of the questionnaire were administered, and 352 (92%) copies were returned and found useful for analysis. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics on SPSS Software. The finding reveals that the registered nurses rely heavily (74.0%) on their professional colleagues while seeking information. The study also reveals that professional colleagues are the most common information sources used by nurses, followed by e-books, e-journals, newspapers/magazines, and CD-ROMs. Other information resources used by the nurses for searching electronic information are Google and Yahoo. The study concluded that medical libraries should be established in the hospitals, and the nurses should be trained on how to improve their information-searching skills for enhanced healthcare delivery.
Social media usage and applications for service delivery among medical library staff in Nigeria
Background: Emerging technologies have transformed the globe and brought significant changes in information delivery in this century. One key change is the adoption of social media, an innovation redefining information provision. Many medical libraries in advanced countries are incorporating social media for service delivery. Literature has not given much attention to the use of social media in medical libraries in Nigeria. Thus, this paper explored the use and applications of social media among medical library staff in Nigeria. Methods: The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised medical library staff in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The total enumeration technique was used to cover all the medical library staff in Nigeria. A total of 54 medical library staff responded to the survey. Results: The results showed that WhatsApp was the most popular social media tool used, followed by Google, Facebook, and Instant messaging. The results also revealed that reference services, user orientation, and current awareness were some of the services delivered using social media. Poor internet access, lack of management support, and erratic power supply were some of the constraints. Conclusion: The paper concluded that many medical library staff have embraced social media. However, it seems they have not adequately maximised these media in the delivery of library and information services. More awareness should be created about the use of social media, such as wikis and blogs, for information services delivery. The challenges in using social media should be addressed.
Post-COVID-19 Evaluation of Information Systems Used in Rural Health Facilities in Delta State
The emergence of COVID-19 posed a lot of challenges to the rural communities in Nigeria. Nigeria is diversified, with a high concentration of elderly and teenagers in the rural areas. With a vulnerable population, rural communities are extremely important in terms of receiving Health Information (HI). This post-COVID-19 study investigated the use of information systems for the dissemination of health information in rural communities of Agbarho Kingdom of Delta State during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive survey design using quantitative research with a questionnaire as the instrument for data collection was used for the study. The study focused on eight public and private hospitals in the Kingdom. The population of the study was 113 health personnel. The researchers adopted a face-to-face approach to administer the questionnaire directly to the available respondents within a period of one month (February 26 to March 25, 2024). Within that period, the researchers met 63 personnel who were on duty. Out of the 63, a total of 51 responded appropriately to the questionnaire that was used for the analysis. The data that was collected for this study were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The study showed that the traditional method, the libraries and information systems were used by health professionals for the dissemination of HI to the rural people. The result also revealed that some health information was available to rural people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges that hindered the dissemination of HI were highlighted. The health personnel in the health facilities in the rural communities in the kingdom participated in managing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concluded that information systems, libraries and traditional methods were important means for the dissemination of health information to the rural people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HYBRID LIBRARY: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR MEDICAL LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA
Development of electronic resources in the current age, has led to the incorporation of digital information resources to complement traditional print information resources in many libraries. The paper is a review of the hybrid library system as it relates to medical library services. Electronic information resources that are essentially important to the medical library in the digital age were presented. The paper discussed the opportunities offered by the hybrid library system which can help medical libraries in Nigeria to extend their reach and meet the health information needs of users. Limited funds for resource acquisition for both electronic and print resources were identified as the major challenge encountered by medical libraries in achieving this mission. The paper concludes that medical librarians should continue to refashion their services as funds and resources become available to remain relevant in the global paradigm shift in library and information science.
Copyright (c) 2013 Journal of Health Information and Librarianship https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AND MEDICAL INFORMATION PROVISION
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have brought about enormous opportunities and challenges to the field of Library and Information Services; and in recent time in the health sector. However, the use of Internet in searching and accessing relevant and current information resources is on the increase. The increasing competency in information literacy is the foundation for effective information provision of electronic resources among medical practitioners. In view of this, Libraries and Information centres particularly in the subSaharan Africa that are experiencing budget cut which in turn affects acquisition and collection development can now embrace ICTs to manage and provide access to quality information resources which in turn will improve the quality of services that they provide for their clients. Therefore, this article focuses on the review of related literatures on electronic information resources with particular reference to medical information need. More so, insight into its benefits and challenges were discussed and available online resources that can enhance quality research in the medical information provision were also highlighted.
USE OF HINARI DATABASE BY FACULTY STAFF OF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, ENUGU CAMPUS
This paper investigates the usage' of Health Internetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) database for health information by Faculty staff of the college of Medicine University of Nigeria, Enugu. Sixty questionnaires were distributed and fifty four (90%) returned. Findings indicate that staff of Community Medicine are the highest users (16.67%) followed by Pediatricians (14.81%>), Obstetricians and Gynecologists (12.96%) and Medicine (9.26%). Also 77.34% of the respondents can use the database well, 22.66% indicated not very capable. The database was mostly used by researchers (37%). Those who use it for teaching and conference/workshop followed with 14.81% each.33.3-3% do not use the database regularly. (66.67%) use it when the need arises. It was also found out that the use of the database was more for reprinting articles for home reading (64.81%).This was followed by those who read only the abstract (27.78%). Response from respondents shows that HINARI database is an invaluable tool for research especially for developing countries.
AVAILABILITY AND USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN MEDICAL LIBRARIES BY PRE CLINICAL STUDENTS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN EDO STATE
The main aim of the study was to indentify the availability and use of information resources in medical libraries by pre-clinical students in selected universities in Edo state. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Three hundred and thirty four respondents participated in the study. Questionnaire was used as instrument for r data collection. Five research questions were formulated for the study. Results were analyzed using simple percentages. Textbooks, dictionaries, journals, are some of the available information resources in the medical libraries studies. Low Computer literacy to browse the Internet was the major problem associated with the use of information resources. The study concludes that creating awareness of information resources is essential for maximum utilization by pre-clinical students.
THE RISING TIDE OF LASSA FEVER IN NIGERIA
Lassa fever, a zoonotic disease, endemic in parts of Nigeria, is caused by the Lassa virus. It is a haemorrhagic fever, caused by the Lassa virus. The animal host is Mastomynatalensis. This paper presents a state of knowledge report through literature search, newspaper report and oral communication. The virus is fairly easily transmitted from human to human. The symptoms are varied and non-specific, making clinical diagnosis of the disease difficult in the early stages. The fever was first reported in Nigeria in 1969 in Bornu State. Up to date, it has been clinically confirmed in 21 states. Nigerians especially in rural areas are oblivious of the disease and there are only two hospitals in the country with the capacity to screen the blood for Lassa virus. The best strategy for control of the emerging disease is prevention through an intensive awareness campaign and libraries all over Nigeria has a role to play in the control and reduction of cases of the disease.
INFORMATION ACQUISITION AND EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL DOCTORS
This paper discusses the practice of medicine as essentially information oriented which calls for effort geared towards proper acquisition of information for high quality health care. The main purpose of the paper was to find out the use of information resources by medical doctors in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. Findings show that Medical Doctors perceive the library to be very relevant as a source of information. Findings also showed that the Internet is the major source of information. A very high percentage applies sourced information with a very high frequency in attending to patients. Heavy workload was the major hindrance to the effective use of the medical library. The study recommends that information technology structures linking the various departments should be developed to help ensure that quality information is made available to the Doctors for effective performance of their duties.
CHALLENGES OF MEDICAL LIBRARY SERVICES IN THE INFORMATION AGE
Revolution in information generation and use especially in the health sector occasioned by communication technology evolution has radically continued to challenge and reshape the library environment and services generally. Medical libraries are not immune from this innocuous change. Medical libraries face additional challenges that are unique to the health care system. These challenges include continuous medical research on ever emerging health issues, health care policies, increasing consumer awareness, diverse information needs as well as new formats of documentation and dissemination. The paper maintains that medical library services would continue to be relevant but need to be revaluated in the present information age. The paper proffers continued education for librarians, maintaining hybrid collection, networking, partnerships, and improved use of web 2.0 technologies as ways to remain current and relevant in the digital age.
INFORMATION NEEDS AND SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF NURSING STUDENTS
This study examined the information needs and seeking behaviour of undergraduate Nursing students of College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka. The study adopted a survey design using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. A total of 108 nursing students responded to the questionnaire used for the study. Frequency counts and percentages represented in pie and bar charts .were used to present the analysed data. Findings revealed that the Nursing students need information for class work/ assignment (100%). Textbooks are the major information sources consulted (100%) while lack of time (88.89%) is the major hindrance to information seeking. The study recommends that the library should adjust their service hours to suit the schedule of the Nursing students.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE INFORMATION NEEDS OF LECTURERS AND STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI
The study is an investigation into the information needs of lecturers and students of College of Health Science, Benue State University, Makurdi. Descriptive survey design was used. The population was give hundred and eighty-four, which was made up of thirty-four lecturers and five hundred and fifty students. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to draw a sample of one hundred and fifty students. The instrument of study was questionnaire. The study identified subject areas where lecturers and students need information needs as basic medical sciences, pathology, physiotherapy, surgery, pharmacology and public health. Inadequate online collection and incessant power failure were the problems militating against these needs. It was recommended that medical library should work towards meeting the information needs of lecturers and students by providing full fledge information and communication technologies. This will enable them to access various forms of sources electronically.
FROM TRADITIONAL TO TECHNOLOGY – BASED MEDICAL LIBRARY SERVICES
The operation and services revolution affecting global library services delivery has not excluded medical libraries. The later has its own share of the revolutionary catalyst consisting mainly of changes in concepts, medical education, technology, services and users interest. Consequently, such library services needed for Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)/Evidence Based Health Care (EBHC) necessitated the adoption of technology-based library services in form of automated, digital, interactive as well as Evidence Based Librarianship (EBL). Medical librarians are therefore faced with the challenges of type of services to render in an attempt to be counted among the ‘team players’ rather than ‘onlookers’ or worst still ‘indifferent’ services providers. As noted by Oluwakuyide (1972), ‘ideally a medical librarian should keep abreast of developments in both medicine and librarianship’. Hence, medical librarians must examine their services regularly visà-vis global trends in the field of medicine and librarianship. By so doing they will have the opportunity to identify what they need to know and do as well as, how to do it. This is definitely one of the major reasons for Medical Library Association Conference/Annual General Meeting (AGM).
NIGERIAN MEDICAL LIBRARIANSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY: THE RIVERS AND BRIDGES TO CROSS
This paper focuses on the Nigerian medical librarianship as intertwined between technological interventions, quality services delivery and economic realities of the 21st century. These advances in libraries have remarkable impacts on information access, storage and retrieval. The emerging trend requires every professional to device competencies to remain relevant and for coping in the evolving Information Society. The paper noted the absence of current collections in many libraries and of automated operations - a pitfall linked to inadequate funding. It also noted that quite a lot of medical librarians are still battling with the reality of the transition from traditional to automated library system, which accounts for the inadequacies associated with their modes of services delivery and quality of output. The paper stressed that Nigerian medical librarians need to demonstrate a mastery of the subject for use in evidence based medical librarianship. The paper recommends proper upgrading of facilities at the medical libraries to meet the 21st century standards and to ensure capacity building of the medical librarians for effectiveness in users' support.
Copyright (c) 2014 Journal of Health Information and Librarianship https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTH INFORMATION: EMERGING ROLES FOR MEDICAL LIBRARIANS
Limited access to health information has remained a major barrier retarding effective healthcare delivery especially in developing countries. Morbidity and mortality rates can be reduced if access to health information within the health system is eased. Today, moving health information from the point of generation to where it is needed requires the Medical Librarians to be proactive. This paper examines the essence of health information; it generators and users; the problems to access and various steps the medical librarian can take in ensuring that all stakeholders are reached with their health information needs. Rising to these challenges even beyond the library walls will improve access to health information in different sectors with obvious positive impacts.
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (CVA): THE ROLE OF NURSES IN PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON ITS PREVENTION AND SELF-CARE
Cerebro vascular accident “CVA or stroke refers to any functional abnormality of the central nervous system that occurs when the normal blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and has become a threat to human survival; hence this paper discusses the role of nurses in provision of information on stroke, its prevention and self care. Some recommendations were also proffered by the writers to help minimize the occurrence of stroke and the amount of lives lost through it.
AWARENESS OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA SECONDARY SCHOOL, NSUKKA, ENUGU STATE
This study was carried out to ascertain the level of awareness of the preventive measures against vulvovaginal candidiasis among female senior secondary school students in University of Nigeria Secondary School, Nsukka, Enugu State. The study adopted the descriptive design. Sample was 200A semi-structured self administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from the participants on the result showed major source of information was class teachers. A good number of the students 140 (70%) correctly indicated that vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by Candida albicans and other Candida species. 150 (75%), 147 (73.3%) and 125(62.5%) confirmed that unclean toilets, sexual intercourse and sharing of underwear could predispose females to this infection. On the preventive measures 140 (70%) knew that the use of cotton pants and tights were measures aimed at preventing the infection when compared to nylon and synthetic underwear, 100% agreed that a good personal and environmental hygiene were the best preventive measures. In conclusion, the study showed that the students had a high level of awareness which was as a result of exposure to knowledge about vulvovaginal candidiasis by school teachers.
EMPOWERING PATIENTS FOR CHRONIC DISEASE SELFMANAGEMENT THROUGH ACCESS TO HEALTH INFORMATION IN NIGERIA
In Nigeria fast moving urbanization and its attendant changes in life style and in diet, have led to increase in chronic diseases. The paper is a review on the role of health information in patients' self-management of chronic diseases. It noted that the most important role of health information is patient empowerment which supports patients in taking good decisions on their care. The paper noted the lack of organized patient health information disseminating structures in Nigerian health institutions. This has created limited access to health information for patients who might need it in the care process. The paper reviewed various methods and strategies that can be adopted for health information dissemination In conclusion, it stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria, health care institutions and organizations have a duty to ensure that patients have access to health information through development of appropriate policies and strategies to support its dissemination.
SELF EMPOWERMENT: A STRATEGY FOR REDUCING ILL-HEALTH AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS
The paper envisaged that acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies can enhance self sustainability and daily living which will build and create a sense of respect, contentment and relief in the youthful years through to adulthood. Improved socio-economic status through selfempowerment is expected to facilitate good health and as well as reduce the rate of social and health vises that may arise as a result of pressure associated with meeting basic daily needs and means of livelihood among Nigerian youths. Unemployment and inability to compete measurably socioeconomically in the society may increase the involvement in risky behaviours like substance abuse, unprotected/multiple sex partners and promiscuity, poor dietary habits and unnecessary worries that are detrimental to good health in youthful years. The paper therefore stressed on some concepts, social determinant of health, priority areas of self empowerment programme, strategies for self empowerment, importance of self empowerment to health and implications on public health.
Copyright (c) 2016 Journal of Health Information and Librarianship https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
AWARENESS AND USE OF INFORMATION ON SAFE MOTHERHOOD AMONG RURAL WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Information is a vital ingredient for the overall well-being of women. However, the extent to which rural women are aware of and use information on safe motherhood has not been clearly ascertained. This study examined if awareness determined information use on safe motherhood issues among rural women in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study utilized the survey research design Data were collected using the questionnaire; interviews; and the focus group discussions among rural women in eight selected local governments of Ogun state using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The data were presented using descriptive statistics and further analyzed with chi square test of independence. Major sources of health information used-by rural women were health workers, family and friends and the radio while the internet, CD-ROM, and libraries were seldom consulted. There was significant relationship between information awareness on matters of safe motherhood and use on preconception care (p= .006), antenatal care (p = .034), family planning (p= .000), immunizations (p = .003), and male circumcision (p = .003). However, breastfeeding (p= .081), child labour and child delivery complications (p= .355) did not significantly relate to information awareness and use. The study concluded that safe motherhood among rural women in Ogun State will be enhanced if there is significant improvement on reproductive health information, its use and provision of medical facilities.
INFORMATION NEEDS AND SOURCES FOR EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE AMONG STAFF OF A COLLEGE OF MEDICINE IN ENUGU, NIGERIA
This study was carried out to ascertain the information needs and sources for Ebola among staff of College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. A total of 200 questionnaires were used to elicit information from the respondents. The 200 questionnaire were administered to the respondents and all the responses were retrieved accordingly for data analysis. The data were analyzed using percentages. Findings showed that a good number of the respondents correctly identified best preventive measures against Ebola as avoiding raw foods especially under cooked meat and washing hands regularly with soap or use of hand sanitizers. This show the respondents are aware of the disease. Information is needed most on the causes of Ebola virus and television and radio were major sources of information on Ebola. In conclusion, the study noted that there is need for planned and proper dissemination of information on of Ebola Virus Disease. This will help the citizens to prevent the disease as well as manage any outbreak.
INFORMATION NEEDS, SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND WORK EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICIANS IN SELECTED GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Information behaviour and work effectiveness of physicians are vital elements in the day to day practice of physicians in selected government hospitals. This study was carried out to investigate the relationship of between information need, seeking behaviour and work effectiveness of physicians in six government hospitals in Edo State. The objectives of the study include the identification of various health information needs of physicians in government hospitals, finding out their information seeking patterns and examining the level of work effectiveness. The method adopted is the survey design. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data among the respondents. Out of the 620 questionnaire administered 516 (83.2%) were retrieved. The findings revealed that the major health information need of physicians in selected government hospitals in Edo State was information on treatment and tests of patients. The quality of work delivery in terms of commitment and individual care to patients as well as commitment to organization goals is less than satisfactory. There is a significant relationship between information needs and seeking behaviour of physicians and their work effectiveness (r =0.422; p<0.05 and r = 0.090; p<0.05), respectively. It is recommended that physicians in government hospitals in Edo State need to be more pro-active in updating themselves in general medical knowledge.
PROFESSIONAL LIBRARY SERVICES IN FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, YABA, LAGOS
This paper is a review of professional library services in Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba. The paper noted that the important role of Medical Librarians in facilitate access to the medical literature for health professionals and students. Data from the library statistics show there is increase in patronage from 4040 library visits in 2011 to 6395 in 2015. Students use the library most. Hospital staff and researchers also use the library. Information services performed in library include current awareness services, Strategic dissemination of information. It was recommended that availability and utilization of ICT or e- library in library should be a priority. Adequate funding, infrastructures development and provision of uninterrupted electricity for conducive learning environment were highly recommended.
HEALTH PROMOTION THROUGH HERB INFORMATION
Gegemu herb (Datura Stramonium) is a plant that is common in the environment. It is a cosmopolitan weed of word wide distribution. It is found in many countries. The herb is widely available and dominates the surroundings of houses in Yoruba land. However, only few people know about its uses, toxicity and hazards. This paper is a review on Gegemu herb, the toxic effects of the plant and the various uses in Yoruba land. The paper recommendations that information about gegemu should be made known to the public through print and other mass media, Librarians should make efforts to communicate indigenous knowledge and herb information to the community and Researchers on health sciences and pharmacology are urged to further study this plant for the benefits of mankind.
SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES AS PREDICTORS OF ACCESSIBILITY, UTILIZATION, AND PREFERENCE FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INFORMATION SOURCES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES
This study examined socio-demographic variables as predictors of accessibility, utilization and preference for reproductive health information sources among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. The study adopted a survey research design. A sample of 2615 undergraduate students was drawn from six conventional federal universities in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data were collected using the questionnaire. Of the 2615 copies of questionnaire distributed, 1615 usable copies of the questionnaire were returned, giving 62% return rate. Result of Regression analysis revealed that the seven independent variables jointly predicted accessibility to reproductive health information sources, utilization of reproductive health information sources, preference for reproductive health information sources and knowledge of reproductive health among undergraduate students. The study concluded that strategies aimed at the provision of access to reproductive health information to young people may be more effective if their socio-demographic characteristics are factored into such interventions.