Using Technology to Survey New Audiences

A touch screen computer was set up at a state fair to assess citizen water quality concerns. Over 500 people took the survey. The researchers were able to reach citizens from both urban and rural areas. Respondents were aged from 18 to over 75. Most respondents (41%) felt that clean drinking water the most important water quality issue

Extent of Access to Health Information and Sources for Chronic Disease Patients in Tertiary Health Institutions in South East Nigeria: Implications for Libraries Role

Access to relevant health information is essential for helping people to take good decisions to enhance their health and well-being. The research examined the importance, level and sources of access to health information for patients with chronic diseases in two Federal Government Teaching Hospitals in South East Nigeria. The research is a cross-sectional survey that used questionnaire to collect data. Sample was 784 patients in two Federal Government Teaching Hospitals in South East Nigeria. Research questions focused on the importance of health information, extent of patients’ access to disease, coping and treatment information. Findings show that while large majority indicated high access to treatment information, about one third to half indicated little or no access to many aspects of disease – specific and coping information. Major source of health information were health professionals. Internet, books, newspapers, pamphlets were also sources of health information. Health information providers can consider areas of low information access for possible focus when planning health information disseminating activities. For medical and public libraries in the zone, sequel to building good consumer health information collections, they should extend their services by engaging in outreach programmes to their user communities. This will serve the dual purpose of creating awareness of their collections and also improve access to quality health information to patients with chronic diseases

Assessment of Utilization of Health Information Resources by Diabetic Patients in Benue State Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study assessed the utilization of health information resources by diabetic patients in Benue State Nigeria. Specifically, the study looked at: types of health information resources required by diabetic patients, sources of accessing health information, health information resources utilized, extent of utilization of health information resources and the challenges of utilization of health information resources by diabetic patients in Benue state. Five specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised of all the 1,698 registered diabetic patients in 2017 and 2018 in Benue State. A sample size of 324 diabetic patients in the registered hospitals under study was drawn for the study using Taro Yamen formula for sample size determination. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Assessment of Utilization of Health Information Resources by Diabetic Patients Questionnaire” (AUHIRDPBSQ). The questionnaire was validated by three experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach Alpha method and a reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Data collected was analysed using Frequency Counts, Percentages, Mean and Standard Deviation to answer the research questions. Findings of the study revealed that information resources such as medical newspapers, medical magazines, medical brochures, treatment fact sheet, medical newsletters, medical posters, medical bill boards and medical leaflet among other information resources are required by diabetic patients in Benue State. The finding also revealed that; medical practitioners, nurses, other health workers, other diabetic patients, television programs and radio programs are the sources of accessing health information by diabetic patient in Benue State. The finding equally revealed that health information resources such as treatment fact sheet, medical posters, medical bill boards, medical leaflets and medical videos are utilized to a low extent by the diabetic patients. Lack of health information resources, difficulties in understanding the available health information resources, lack of applicability of health information resources and distance to health information sources among others were identified as the challenges of utilization of health information resources by diabetic patients in Benue State. Based on the findings, it was concluded that information is a vital tool for the wellbeing of diabetic patients in Benue State. The study recommended among others that, Hospital libraries through their collection development policies should acquire and provide relevant information resources in local languages for diabetic patients to cater for their health information needs; Hospital libraries should endeavor to provide user education programmes for diabetic patients that can acquaint them with knowledge on how to use hospital library resources and services to address their health information needs and librarians in hospitals should consider playing Videos/ DVD records on diabetes management techniques and appropriate diets in patient’s waiting room such that patients who are less inclined to talk to the other patients or to read the pamphlets at the hospital, will receive some information on diabetes in another format

Assessment of Utilization of Health Information Resources by Diabetic Patients in Benue State Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study assessed the utilization of health information resources by diabetic patients in Benue State Nigeria. Specifically, the study looked at: types of health information resources required by diabetic patients, sources of accessing health information, health information resources utilized, extent of utilization of health information resources and the challenges of utilization of health information resources by diabetic patients in Benue state. Five specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised of all the 1,698 registered diabetic patients in 2017 and 2018 in Benue State. A sample size of 324 diabetic patients in the registered hospitals under study was drawn for the study using Taro Yamen formula for sample size determination. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Assessment of Utilization of Health Information Resources by Diabetic Patients Questionnaire” (AUHIRDPBSQ). The questionnaire was validated by three experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach Alpha method and a reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Data collected was analysed using Frequency Counts, Percentages, Mean and Standard Deviation to answer the research questions. Findings of the study revealed that information resources such as medical newspapers, medical magazines, medical brochures, treatment fact sheet, medical newsletters, medical posters, medical bill boards and medical leaflet among other information resources are required by diabetic patients in Benue State. The finding also revealed that; medical practitioners, nurses, other health workers, other diabetic patients, television programs and radio programs are the sources of accessing health information by diabetic patient in Benue State. The finding equally revealed that health information resources such as treatment fact sheet, medical posters, medical bill boards, medical leaflets and medical videos are utilized to a low extent by the diabetic patients. Lack of health information resources, difficulties in understanding the available health information resources, lack of applicability of health information resources and distance to health information sources among others were identified as the challenges of utilization of health information resources by diabetic patients in Benue State. Based on the findings, it was concluded that information is a vital tool for the wellbeing of diabetic patients in Benue State. The study recommended among others that, Hospital libraries through their collection development policies should acquire and provide relevant information resources in local languages for diabetic patients to cater for their health information needs; Hospital libraries should endeavor to provide user education programmes for diabetic patients that can acquaint them with knowledge on how to use hospital library resources and services to address their health information needs and librarians in hospitals should consider playing Videos/ DVD records on diabetes management techniques and appropriate diets in patient’s waiting room such that patients who are less inclined to talk to the other patients or to read the pamphlets at the hospital, will receive some information on diabetes in another format

Barriers and facilitators to using NHS Direct: a qualitative study of ‘users’ and ‘non-users’

Background NHS Direct, introduced in 1998, has provided 24/7 telephone-based healthcare advice and information to the public in England and Wales. National studies have suggested variation in the uptake of this service amongst the UK¿s diverse population. This study provides the first exploration of the barriers and facilitators that impact upon the uptake of this service from the perspectives of both `users¿ and `non- users¿. Methods Focus groups were held with NHS Direct `users¿ (N?=?2) from Bedfordshire alongside `non-users¿ from Manchester (N?=?3) and Mendip, Somerset (N?=?4). Each focus group had between five to eight participants. A total of eighty one people aged between 21 and 94 years old (M: 58.90, SD: 22.70) took part in this research. Each focus group discussion lasted approximately 90 minutes and was audiotape-recorded with participants¿ permission. The recordings were transcribed verbatim. A framework approach was used to analyse the transcripts. Results The findings from this research uncovered a range of barriers and facilitators that impact upon the uptake of NHS Direct. `Non-users¿ were unaware of the range of services that NHS Direct provided. Furthermore, `non-users¿ highlighted a preference for face-to face communication, identifying a lack of confidence in discussing healthcare over the telephone. This was particularly evident among older people with cognitive difficulties. The cost to telephone a `0845¿ number from a mobile was also viewed to be a barrier to access NHS Direct, expressed more often by `non-users¿ from deprived communities. NHS Direct `users¿ identified that awareness, ease of use and convenience were facilitators which influenced their decision to use the service. Conclusions An understanding of the barriers and facilitators which impact on the access and uptake of telephone-based healthcare is essential to move patients towards the self-care model. This research has highlighted the need for telephone-based healthcare services to increase public awareness; through the delivery of more targeted advertising to promote the service provision availabl

Workflow Analysis, Scheduling, and Chance Constraint Models in Community Pharmacy Operations

Community pharmacy networks provide most of the US population's prescribed medication, but not picking up the medication or using it improperly can lead to problems such as medication non-adherence and medication misuse. This research focuses on improving community pharmacy network services by proposing a change in the role pharmacists play in these networks. A key task pharmacists perform which is a critical step in the medication dispensing process is verifying that the medication filled is the one prescribed and that it does not conflict with other medications the patient is taking. This dissertation proposes that pharmacists provide important counseling services (i.e. PDPC services) to patients inside community pharmacies. We discuss how adding PDPC services changes the workflow of a community pharmacy and discuss strategies to overcome obstacles preventing pharmacists from providing PDPC services. We use a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model to simulate a local community pharmacy as well as a community pharmacy network to evaluate strategies that can be used to either improve the workflow process internally (internal strategies) or provide an external resource that can be used to provide support to the pharmacy (external strategies). The internal strategies studied are adding a staff member, predicting prescription pick up times, and providing short duration PDPC services in busy hours. The external strategies studied are utilizing a central fill to dispense part of the pharmacy's demand and adding PDPC kiosks to provide PDPC services inside the pharmacy. The effect of each strategy and the extent of its benefits are studied and highlighted in chapters 2 & 3. The central fill location problem was modeled as a chance constraint stochastic P-median capacitated facility location problem. Three extensions to the location model are added and discussed in detail. Several lower bounds were provided to the problem and an efficient solution method was used to solve the problem. Finally the model was applied to a community pharmacy network in PA in a case study. The results showed that ignoring the highest demand scenarios can save the community pharmacy network from having to add an additional central fill

Examining health information source-selection, access, and use by men in rural areas of south-east Nigeria: mapping culturally appropriate health information provision.

The provision of accessible and usable health information is vital for making informed health decisions and embracing active and preventative health behaviours (such as reporting of symptoms, early screening and seeking medical help). Previous research in this area has focused on health-related information seeking behaviour and use of information by citizens of developed countries and within urban geographical locations. The common thread from existing research within the context of developing countries, particularly in Africa, is the need for health information to be provided in a way that considers the diverse cultural perspectives and characteristics of rural communities; regarding both the content and the design of health information services. Considering the cultural aspects is important. However, there is little or no work that has considered the provision of health information that is culturally and locally appropriate. This research aims to investigate the health information behaviour of men in rural Nigeria and explore the local sociocultural aspects that relate to the provision of prostate cancer information. The research extends the theoretical framework of Johnsons Comprehensive Information Seeking model to include health-related information design heuristics that address aspects of cultural appropriateness within rural contexts and particularly within the setting of developing countries. A qualitative approach was adopted as it was considered appropriate for this research. The research utilised 35 semi-structured interviews and 5 focus group discussions with men (aged 35 or over) residing in rural areas of Nigeria. Participants shared their experiences with health-related information seeking and use, the barriers they encounter and the role that culture and rurality play in that process. Findings show that within rural Nigeria, culture and religion play a vital role in shaping the health information behaviour of men. There is a lack of knowledge about important health issues that affect men, such as prostate cancer. The study documents that internal, interpersonal sources and oral-based communication methods are preferred in rural communities. Based on the findings, a revised model of health information behaviour that extends the existing scholarly perspectives to include cultural context and information use component in rural communities in Nigeria was presented

Creating digital materials for Antimicrobial Resistance One Health awareness and behaviour change for Rhodes University peer educators

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent, global health problem that stems from the inappropriate use of and poor adherence to antibiotics that treat diseases in human beings. It is further exacerbated by the proliferation of antibiotics into the food chain, particularly from the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in agricultural, meat, and dairy production. The recently developed World Health Organisation (WHO) One Health (OH) approach encompasses and acknowledges the various interconnected pathways that drive AMR between the human, animal, and environmental spheres. Until recently, AMR health challenges have been viewed primarily through a biomedical lens, but this study draws on the more holistic perspective that the One Health approach offers. AMR from food sources (AMR-OH) is an underrepresented topic of research. Creating digital health communication for low-literate end-users on this topic using the One Health approach is an emerging field of research. AMR-OH has not been extensively covered in health communication campaigns and requires developing context-specific digital educational materials, such as the ones this study presents. This study draws on Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) theory elements to create a suggested approach to disseminate AMR-OH information. This intervention was aimed at low-health-literate end-users to accomplish two objectives. First, create awareness and improve knowledge about AMR-OH via a video. Second, offer feasible, easily implementable behaviour change actions in the form of an infographic comprising four food safety steps (Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill). The study was conducted in three phases. First, recruit participants and conduct a literature review to identify the effective SBCC elements of health communication intervention design. Second, conduct a needs assessment to gauge the volunteering participants’ familiarity with digital media and their current health literacy on AMR-OH. Third, conceptualise and design the two AMR-OH digital educational materials (a video and accompanying infographic). The materials were first evaluated by the researcher using the Clear Communication Index (CCI) test, and then shared with the participants via WhatsApp to be evaluated by them, using two end-user tests: the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) test. These two tests assessed the materials’ readability, understandability, and actionability. A post-evaluation, semi-structured interview (SSI) was then conducted with the participants. Deductive thematic analysis was conducted on the SSI data and analysed using the five design benchmarks as themes: Ease of Use of Technology, Clarity of Content, Appropriate Format, Target Audience Resonance (Appropriate for target audience), and Clear calls to Action (Actionable). The rapid onset of COVID-19 restrictions forced the project to scale down and shift entirely online. The study could be conducted due to the active and enthusiastic virtual participation of two Rhodes University Peer Educators (PEs) whose contribution was vital to developing and evaluating the materials. The needs assessment showed that the PEs were comfortable using WhatsApp, had reliable internet connection when on campus, and used this social media platform for professional and personal communication. This assessment also showed that they had prior knowledge of AMR but only from the human health perspective. The video and infographic scored high on the Clear Communication Index, 93.3% and 94.4%, respectively. The PEs’ evaluation of the materials was also high on the PEMAT and SAM assessments: video narration (100%, 80% respectively), video (100%, 99% respectively), and infographic (86%, 90% respectively). This study produced an easy-to-use, accessible and appropriate online repository of AMR-OH information in a novel format with actionable steps. The post-evaluation SSI revealed that the materials and the channel of delivery were welcomed. The PEs expressed their confidence in receiving, using, and sharing this novel presentation of evidence and solutions-based information about AMR-OH. They further highlighted that this is the first time they have received and evaluated context-specific digital multimedia about AMR-OH and that this information equipped them to adopt the food safety behaviours – namely, the four food safety steps. This study demonstrates that the theory-informed creation of engaging digital media for AMR-OH is feasible and viable. Furthermore, it affirms that engaging digital media for AMR-OH can be created to enhance the knowledge of end-users about this health issue. The scaled-down approach created a blueprint to implement a more extensive intervention in the future, informed by this intervention’s methods and tools. Lastly, this blueprint for a particular conceptualisation of an AMR-OH digital media intervention provides effective and empowering tools with which the PEs can disseminate this information to the university's support staff.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 202

The public library's contribution to economic growth and development : a path analysis.

Ph. D. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2014.This study examined the relationship that different aspects of public library use have with economic growth and development. The literature on the economic effects of public libraries is focused on proving worth to stakeholders. The measures of impact on economic growth and development are not as common. The lack of data on public libraries makes these measures more difficult to quantify. This thesis seeks to address that gap. A systematic review of the literature on public library use covers five services: the use of the library as a place, the use of the book stock, interaction with the public librarian, attendance at library programmes and use of public Internet-enabled computers. Library programmes were the most popular topic in the literature, circulation the least popular. The study built on the theoretical design of the Solow-Swan neoclassical growth model. From this, economic development was taken to be five aspects: employment, health, education, social capital and savings. Using available data, the study tested whether public libraries impact on any of these economic variables, thereby answering the primary question in this thesis: what kind of relationship exists between different parts of public library use and economic growth and development? This study used pre-existing data sourced from a variety of different datasets. The availability of the data necessitated a two-part split of the study: one that focused on results using an international dataset, and another that focused only on data from the United States of America, as it had a rich dataset available. The study employed a quantitative, empirical, method, namely regression path analysis. When looking at the results of the regressions run with international data, it was found that the circulation of library books contributes positively to all aspects of economic growth and development. The dataset from the United States of America included more features of public library use. Here, the relationship between public library use and economic growth and development was not found to be a consistently positive one. Use of public computers, for example, was found to have a negative relationship with education, the savings rate and gross domestic product. Other services, such as visits to the library, contributed in a positive way. These findings lead to the conclusion that the relationship between public library use and economic growth and development is complex. The results of this study can be used to plan public library services and effectively allocate appropriate funds. This thesis ends with a call for better data collection on public libraries and raises the question of what is the role of public libraries in the economy

The impact of competitive environment on the service marketing mix strategy of health organisations in developing countries : Jordanian private sector hospital senior managers perspective

The environment of Jordanian private hospitals has never been so complex and challenging as at present. There are huge influences on these hospitals in the current climate. Managers in these hospitals are finding themselves, more than ever before, confronted by increasing pressures and demands which they must seek to understand and respond to in their service marketing mix strategy in order to achieve effective strategic marketing in terms of their choice of service marketing mix strategy components (namely health service, pricing, distribution, promotion, physical evidence, process, and personal strategies). This research, therefore, investigates the influence competitive environment factors have on the service marketing mix strategy components made by Jordanian private hospital managers, and on the reality of the Jordanian private hospital marketing. The literature review reveals that there is an extensive body of research that addresses service marketing mix strategy in general but there is less emphasis on the health sector. Moreover, evidence of the impact of a competitive environment on service marketing mix strategy and hospital performance measurements' criteria in the hospital industry is limited. In order to explore this issue, a triangulation method was used to collect primary data through a questionnaire, which was administered in the private sector hospitals in the six Jordanian governorates and, via in-depth semi structured interviews with hospital managers and experts in the health services in Jordan. All Jordanian general private sector hospitals were targeted in this research rather than a representative sample of these hospitals. A purposive sampling strategy was used to choose the participants in this research. In total, - 143 senior managers (general manager, administrative manager, medical manager, public relation manager, marketing manager, and out patients clinic manager) participated in this study. The results confirm significant differences in the influence of competitive environment factors on service marketing mix strategy components. They also reveal that the components of the marketing mix strategy have varied significant and insignificant influence on the hospital performance, which demonstrates that the hospital performance phenomenon is complicated and multi-dimensional in nature. Furthermore, the results exhibit that hospital managers might benefit more by placing more emphasis on an integrated service marketing mix strategy and recognising the competitive environment influences on their hospitals. The results also highlight several implications for future research in health services marketing and fills in several gaps in the existing literature on health services marketing. This research contributes to the academic and practical knowledge as being one of the first attempts to investigate empirically the impact of the competitive environment on service marketing mix strategy. As such, the influences of service marketing mix strategy on hospitals' performance criteria, identifying the main concerns and problems which face the management and marketing in Jordanian private sector hospitals, are explored in addition to recognising the vital roles of marketing in improving the hospital performance. This research integrates, refines and extends the empirical work conducted in the field of health services marketing in developing countries. It raises many implications for managers in these hospitals, such as considering the importance of influences by competitive environment on marketing mix strategy and the vital role this strategy plays in the performance of Jordanian private sector hospitals. This research provides useful guidelines for further and future research possibilities such as exploring the influence of the competitive environment factors influence on hospital performance criteria.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo