Impacts of internet on health seeking behaviour of students in Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijebu Ode

Web technology has unlocked numerous opportunities within the health care sector in recent times. E-health literacy is defined as the ability to understand and appraise health information from electronic sources and apply the knowledge gained to solve a health problem. This study aimed to understand the characteristics and preferences of online health information seekers so that online health information providers can create appropriate health information content that will contribute to health management and promotion among students. A sample of 300 students was selected through simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire examining the impacts of internet use on health-seeking behaviour of students at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State. Descriptive statistics organised the questionnaire data into frequencies and percentages. Analysis revealed that health information obtained from the internet had a statistically significant impact on the health-seeking behaviour of TASFUED students. Students were significantly more likely to access health information via the internet, with the internet becoming their primary source for exploring health-related information. Internet-based knowledge on diet and nutrition, exercise comprehension, and alcohol consumption information each accounted for 8.2%, 6.3%, and 6.5% of the variance in health-seeking behaviour respectively. The findings underscore the need for regulated online health information systems. It is recommended that an exclusively medical online management information system be established by medical doctors and nurses to guarantee accurate medical advice on health information services, thereby minimising the negative implications of internet-sourced health information on students' health-seeking behaviour. Additionally, online websites providing health information should be regulated, with disclaimers highlighting the non-conclusive nature of such information made readily available to protect unsuspecting online health seekers.