Understanding the Health Information Sources During Covid- 19 Pandemic in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The paper investigated the understanding of health information sources among people in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria during the COVID-19. The Source of health information is critical during a pandemic situation such as the present COVID-19 pandemic. Source of information is the point of contact from where information is derived to solve pressing health related problems. The objective of this study was to investigate the sources of information utilized by people in Zaria metropolis during the COVID-19 period. This study is primarily qualitative involving exploringthe information practicesof the participants. Data was collected using a semi- structured interview guide with 8 participants. The findings revealed that participants sourced for information about COVID-19 from six sources.These are through; family, friends, orthodox medical practitioners, acquaintances, mass media and COVID-19 patients. Supportis indicated as important in coping with chronic diseases,trusting the sourcesare equally a subject of concern. Also, the findingsrevealed that information is understood in six different ways thus:Information is important, information is critical, information is rumour and unsubstantiated, information is authentic, and information is confusing and misleading. The study concluded that identifying correlations betweensources and understanding of the information are fundamental to developing insights that will help in the creation of targeted management, mitigation, and preventive policies; ultimately minimizing the risks and costs of chronic diseases. The study therefore recommends that sources of information utilizedby participants in this study setting shouldbe harmonized by medical authorities’ in order to achieve the desired health outcome. The medical authorities should ensure that everyone has access to accurate information and removing harmful content.



Journal Title: Nigerian Libraries

Category: Health Sciences

ISSN: 0029-0122

Year of Establishment: 1963

Section: Library and Information Sciences

Volume: 54

Issue: 2

Total Download: 0

Romoke Opeyemi Quadir, & Abdulmuta’ali Oyedeji Abdulkadir. 2024 Understanding the Health Information Sources During Covid- 19 Pandemic in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Nigerian Libraries. 54 (2). 54-66. https://doi.org/10.61955/PWNCXP

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