INTERNET-BASED HEALTH INFORMATION ACCESS AND UTILIZATION FOR PERSONAL HEALTHCARE AMONG PATIENTS AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY DUTSIN-MA (FUDMA) CLINIC, NIGERIA

Abstract

Access to reliable internet-based health information has become increasingly critical for patient

empowerment and healthcare decision-making in the digital age. This study examine the access

and utilization of internet-based health information for personal healthcare among patients at

the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) Clinic, Katsina State, Nigeria. Adopting a survey

research design, the study focused on understanding how patients access and use online health

information resources. Population was 120 patients who actively visit the clinic and use the

internet for health-related purposes, ad total enumeration sampling was used. The primary data

collection tool was a self-structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that 45% of patients

regularly access internet-based health information, with the primary uses being medication

advice (60%) and self-diagnosis (55%). However, barriers such as poor internet connectivity

(70%), lack of digital literacy (45%), and limited access to devices (30%) were identified. The

study concludes that while internet-based health information is moderately accessible,

significant barriers hinder its full utilization. The study recommends improving internet

accessibility, providing digital literacy training, and addressing technological barriers to

enhance the use of online health information resources among patients.