Accessibility and Use of Internet Health Information Resources by Medical Students in Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State

Abstract

This study investigated accessibility and use of internet health information resources by Medical Students in Igbinedion University,  Okada, Edo State. Descriptive survey design was employed, the population of the study was 212 Medical students of the university, total  enumeration sampling technique was adopted while questionnaire was used for data collection. Out of the two hundred and twelve (212)  copies of the questionnaire administered, 193 copies were retrieved and analysed using frequency count, simple percentages and  arithmetic mean (x ) where appropriate. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents can locate, access and download electronic  health information resources on the Internet (x = 3.26), use mobile devices for searching the Internet (x = 3.31), can access social networking websites for health information (x = 3.23) amongst others, all to a very high extent. Findings showed that for their health  information needs, majority of the respondents use YouTube (91.2%), internet search engines (88.6%), social networking sites (59.1%),  reference materials online (58%), health-focused websites (55.4%), Wikipedia (55.4%) and healthbased mobile applications (50.3%).  Findings also revealed that the respondents use internet search engines (x = 3.28), Wikipedia (x = 3.41) and YouTube (x = 3.43) to a very  high extent, healthfocused websites (x = 2.86) as well as reference materials (x = 2.86) to a high extent. Furthermore, it was found that the  purpose for which majority of respondents use internet-based health information include for developing competence in their field of study (62.7%), for self-improvement (62.2%) and for the purpose of keeping up with current developments in the medical profession (56.5%) amongst others. Finally, the key challenges faced by majority of the respondents in their use of internet for seeking health  information are lack of awareness of relevant health information resources on the Internet (67.9%), information overload (58.5%) as well  as lack of information literacy skills (56.5%). Recommendations include that universities should strengthen the students' knowledge of  use of internet for qualitative health information by incorporating health information literacy into a compulsory first year course, or as  part of a general studies text, as well as through seminars and workshops.