Information behaviour of primary health care providers in rural Uganda

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the accessibility and use of health information among primary health care providers. The study focused on women and health workers' experiences with information in rural Uganda. Design/methodology/approach Face‐to‐face interviews (82) were conducted using an interview schedule that consisted of open questions and one relating to health information critical incidents. A holistic inductive paradigm was used with a grounded theory analysis. An “Interaction‐value model” emerged from the study. The model was driven by the value and impact of information, unlike previous information models which have been driven by information needs. Findings The findings have a number of implications for improving information provision, and further research. Originality/value This study has demonstrated that, although an information need could trigger off an information activity, the subsequent information processes could only be sustained by the value of information. The study has also shown that health workers were generally active information seekers, whereas women were mainly passive.