Information seeking behavior for women with gynaecology conditions in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the information seeking behavior for women with gynaecology conditions in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The objectives  were to determine the information need of women with gynaecology conditions in Port Harcourt, Nigeria; find out how  women with gynaecology conditions, seek for information about their condition; identify the trusted sources of information for women  with gynaecology conditions in Port Harcourt, Nigeria using Health Belief Model in understanding how women with sexually transmitted  diseases perceive and engage in information sharing. Qualitative research methodology and Phenomenological research design was  adopted. Population was population of this study consisted of 2,525,690 women in Port Harcourt. Sample size for this study was ten (10)  participants selected using purposive sampling technique. Unstructured interview guide as instrument for data collection. The  researchers personally interviewed the women; interactions held with the participants were recorded.Thematic analysis was adopted for  data analysis. Findings revealed that experiences of women with gynaecology conditions in Port Harcourt, Nigeria are excessive bleeding;  severe abdominal pains, vaginal infection, infertility and excessive weight gain. Information need of women are information for  managing my health, information on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), information on use of prescribed drugs; and information  on alternative treatment. Seeking for information were through medical doctors, over-the-counter, fellow women with same health  conditions and traditional medical vendors. Trusted sources of information are medical practitioners, social media, herbal medicines and  friends. Main barriers to information seeking are stigmatization and social norms. Influence of Health Belief Model on information seeking behavior is; excessive bleeding, seeking for help, financial gratification cannot help my health condition, fear appeal, self –efficacy  and societal beliefs. It is concluded that access to relevant information significantly influences women’s decision making  processes regarding their gynaecology condition. Study recommends among others that the medical practitioners should create  adequate awareness about the symptoms of gynaecology conditions and the management to ease the lived experiences of women with  the condition.