ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess the access and use of protective methods among patients availing HIV/AIDS healthcare services in Anambra State University Teaching Hospital. Six research questions were formulated and tested with respect to the type of healthcare information available on HIV/AIDS, sources of information, awareness of information by HIV/AIDS patients, access to healthcare information, use of healthcare information, challenges of access to healthcare information and suggested solution to the problems. A survey method was adopted for the study. A total population of 356 HIV/AIDS patients was selected from the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital. Self-structured Questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection. Data collected was analyzed and presented using frequency distribution table, while hypotheses were tested using T-test of independent sample. The study found out that types of healthcare information sought for by majority of HIV/AIDS patients were signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS with 222(62.4%) respondents. Access to healthcare information was through internet with 179(50.3%) responses which was the most popular source of information. The purpose of use of healthcare information was to educate people on HIV/AIDS with a score of 271(76.6%). Findings of the hypotheses showed that there is no significant difference in types of healthcare information available for male and female HIV/AIDS patients in the selected tertiary health institutions in Anambra State University Teaching Hospital. The study concluded that there was access to healthcare information through various sources and formats but hindered by factors such as ignorance of people who do not believe in the real existence of HIV/AIDS and may never go for laboratory test or seek for information. The researcher recommended that government intervention is required to facilitate adequate provision of information. Moreso, information communication technologies are very essential in the delivery of healthcare services and in aiding adequate supply of vital information due to the fact that provision of qualitative healthcare services cannot be complete without information technology.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to Study
Human Immune Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Nigerian society is a burden that continues to grow with devastating human, socio – economic and security consequences, apart from an untold grief and human misery. The effect of HIV/AIDS is so enormous that it has created untold burden on human families’ in particular and society at large, wiping out societal developmental gains, increasing child mortality, decreasing life expectancy and creating millions of orphans in the society, especially in Nigeria. Adequate provision of healthcare information, easy accessibility and effective utilization of information is needed by HIV/AIDS patients and healthcare professionals to fight the scourge.
Healthcare is the diagnosis, treatment, prevention of disease, illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in allied health, dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy and other health-care providers ( The Free Encyclopedia, 2014). It also refers to the work done in providing primary, secondary and tertiary care as well as in public health. Access to healthcare varies across countries, group and individuals, largely influenced by social and econoamic conditions as well as health policies in place; therefore information is needed to facilitate effective healthcare management. Information is a critical resource to the growth and development of any individual, group and nation (Chukwu, 2005).Recently, there is an increasing awareness of information needs by individuals, groups, organizations and nationalities for policy making, planning and other strategic reasons. High level of information generation and awareness of available information needs has put information managers on their toes in their efforts to find a solution to HIV/AIDS problem in the society.
