Information needs and information seeking behaviour of people living with HIV/AIDS in university of Nigeria teaching hospital Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu state

Abstract

This research examined the information needs and resource utilization by people living with HIV/AIDS in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu state. Five research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised of 4000 people living with HIV/AIDS that are admitted or coming for regular checkup at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ozalla, Enugu state. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique to select 52 PLWH. The main instruments for data collection was questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean scores. The study found that the information needs of PLWH were on latest treatment options, mental health resources, financial support, and navigating personal relationships, among others. The information seeking behavior of PLWH were predominantly on regularly seeking information about new treatments, understanding treatment plans from various sources such as healthcare provider, websites and forums, relying on peer networks and NGOs, and using social media, among others. The sources of information by PLWH were healthcare providers, support