Health Information Need and Information Sources of Pregnant Women in Ogbomoso Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

IntroductionInformation is a major resource that is needed in every sphere of life endeavour especially in health matters (Ugboma, 2010). Health information is a vital resource for individuals who according to BIREME/PAHO/WHO, 2008) seek information for as varying reasons as mere curiousity, self diagnosis and analyzying and evaluating treatment for health. Admittedly, information that is needed to study changes in women's health status is either inadequate or unavailable. The quality of the decision made at any given time depends to a large extent on the type of information made available to the user.Ariyo (1991) opines that information assists in reducing the degree of uncertainty and ignorance in the operating environment, while Corragio (2011) avers that lack of information is the denial of choices and opportunities for living better live. Therefore, the quality of information an individual receives enhances her rightful choice of health care as the case may be. The findings of similar studies by Uchudi, (2001); Fatimi & Avan, (2002) revealed that women in developing countries are often not allowed to visit health care facilities by themselves.Furthermore, Hossain and Islam (2012) avers that women who live in villages also lack access to information resources and ability to access Information and Communication Technology. These same women are isolated from getting access to information resources that they would need to make their lives better. They have no time to seek information or to get into educational programs, even if those programs are available (Corragio, 2011). According to the Global Health Council, "the health of families and communities are tied to the health of women, the illness or death of a woman has serious and far-reaching consequences on the health of her children, family and community. " Yet every 100 seconds, a woman dies in pregnancy or during childbirth, (Corragio, 2011). Literature ReviewHealth information needs of pregnant womenWomen's information needs on personal, religious, social, domestic, professional or medical are an important factor in determining the quality of life they live, their output professionally or socially, at home and to the world generally (Olorunda, 2004). Saleh and Lasisi (2011) examined information needs and information seeking behavior of rural women in Borno state, Nigeria. This study revealed that the most paramount health information required is ante natal and post natal care, immunizations especially on the six killer diseases, how to prevent and manage Vascular Virginal Fistula VVF, and how to safely deliver pregnancy.Similarly, Momodu (2002) carried out a study on information needs of rural dwellers in Nigeria. He identified that women particularly needed information on pre and post natal care and current immunization facilities for their children and themselves. Wilson's models of information seeking behaviour(ISB) have suggested that the behaviour occurs as a consequence of the information user perceiving a need for information therefore a pregnant woman might behave differently than cancer patients. In a study by Hsieh and Brennan (2005) participants indicated that they searched for information related to their prenatal genetic counseling need. Mooko's (2005) studies of information needs and information-seeking behavior of women in three rural villages in Botswana revealed that most of the information needs of these women are health-related. They seek information regarding particular diseases, how they are contracted, and how to treat them. Women in developing countries lack information they feel need the most: family planning and reproductive health. Rutakumwa & Krogman's (2000) study revealed the primary concern of women in Uganda was for information on reproductive health and birth control. In Mooko's studies most of the participants turn to medical practitioners (such as village nurses and traditional doctors) for their needs, and they also depend on their prior experience. …