Socio-demographic factors influencing health information seeking behaviour among health professionals in selected public hospitals in Kirinyaga county, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Capability of health professionals to access, retrieve and utilize accurate health data is fundamental for evidence-based practice, patient safety, clinical efficacy, and optimal general health outcomes. Despite health information being cornerstone to achieving national healthcare objectives and supporting professional duties, research in developing nations has prioritized technological development over the behavioural patterns of the information users.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study in Kirinyaga County assessed how health professionals' sociodemographic factors influence their information-seeking behaviour. Quantitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression (p<0.05). Qualitative data was collected using key informant interview guide.

Results: The study included 190 participants, most aged 21-30 years and having a diploma level of education 63.2%. majority 58.1% were male with a work experience of 3-5 years (37.5%) while 60.1% were nurses. younger professionals aged 21-30 years were 2.943 times likely to utilize print resources compared to those aged 41-50 years (p value=0.043; OR=2.943). Professionals with work experience of 3-5 years were 2.50 times likely to use print resources as compared to those with over 10 years working experience (p value=0.039; OR=2.50). However, work experience had no statistically significant influence on IT-based resources use as all the professions/ cadres had p values greater than 0.05.

Conclusion: work experience and age influenced information seeking behaviour of the health professionals. Information resources were not customized to address professionals’ specific information needs.