Use of internet in providing information for lifestyle-related diabetes management at General Hospital Makarfi, Kaduna State - Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the extent to which the Internet was used for acquiring lifestyle modification-related information by diabetes patient at General Hospital Makarfi, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to uncover the stated objectives: i. to determine the extent and frequency of internet use for health-related information ii. to find the level of satisfaction with information obtained online iii. to understand the barriers of accessing online information. The study used quantitative research method and employed a descriptive survey design. The population of this study consisted of diabetes patient attending General Hospital Makarfi, diabetes patients (n = 35) form the sample in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was used with a completion rate of 70%, where half of the respondents (55.09%) searched for health information 3-4 times per month. 23.4% of the respondents sought information about diet, exercise and medication followed by information seekers about diet, exercise, medication, foot care and diabetes complications (22.8%). Main obstacles to understanding information obtained were "bulkiness of material" and "difficulty understanding materials with scientific terms". Almost 65% of the respondents indicated satisfaction with the information acquired. Generally, respondents believed information on behavioral changes obtained online was of assistance in the overall management of their condition. No association was found between frequency of procurement of information and age, gender or level of education (P>0.05). It was concluded that the Internet was a valuable tool for health-related information acquisition and can contribute to the quality of care of persons with diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Internet, Health information, Behaviour modification.