An Investigation Into The Use Of Social Media For Accessing Health Information Among Unza Students: A Case Study Of Library And Information Science Final Year Students.

Abstract

According to Akakandalwa (2017), little if any is known if students access health information on social media in Zambia. The lack of awareness of information needs among students and the inability to recognize and adequately express information needs are serious barriers to accessing health information on social media. In addition, Dilipkumar (2017) states that there is limited understanding among students on social media platforms which would provide them with relevant and accurate health information that can allow them make informed decisions about their health. In response to the stated problems, this study endeavoured to investigate the use of social media for accessing Health Information among the University of Zambia Library and Information Science final year students. The general objective of the study was to investigate the use of social media for accessing Health Information among UNZA Library and Information Science final year students. This study used a mixed method research design which was conducted on a sample of 120 LIS final year students from a population of approximately 146 students from the LIS department. The sample size was chosen using a simple random sampling technique that gives an equal chance to every individual to participate in the research. The tool that was used to collect primary data from the sample was a questionnaire and data analysis was done using the SPSS software and content analysis. The study outcome revealed that students use various social media platforms to access health information, such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter as well as Instagram. It was also noticed that Facebook is the commonly used social media platform to access health information by students followed by YouTube and stated that these two platforms were the most easiest to use. Further, the findings showed that the biggest factor that influences students search for health information on social media was the cost of internet bundles, among others. The study also revealed that Facebook is considered the platform that provides the most relevant health information with LIS final year students on campus, and that more females use health information accessed for prevention purposes than their counterparts do. The findings further showed that majority of students from the LIS department face challenges when accessing health information such as poor internet connectivity, lack of gadgets, information explosion etc. However, the most occurring challenge that students face was poor internet connectivity. This means students face challenges such as poor internet connectivity, lack of gadgets and information explosion when accessing health information on social media.