INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR AND UTILIZATION OF ICT AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER ELELE, RIVERS STATE

ABSTRACT This descriptive cross-sectional study investigates the information-seeking behavior and ICT utilization among pregnant women at Primary Health Center (PHC) Elele in Rivers State, Nigeria. Targeting a sample size of 142, determined using the Taro Yamane formula, participants were selected through systematic random sampling. Data collection, conducted over four weeks, involved structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, focusing on digital literacy, ICT access, and cultural influences. Validity was ensured through expert consultations and a pilot study, while reliability was assessed via the test-retest method with Cronbach’s alpha. Findings reveal that 57.7% of pregnant women struggle with navigating the internet for pregnancy-related resources, and 58.5% find using social media for support challenging. However, 41.5% use mobile apps for tracking pregnancy. A significant majority (90.8%) exhibit moderate digital literacy, with few displaying very low or high literacy levels. Internet access moderately enhances access to health information, and smartphone ownership significantly increases access. Cultural beliefs strongly influence the type of health information sought, with many women relying on community advice over digital sources. Family members are the most trusted source of health information, though their reliability varies. Social media and traditional healers are less favored, while television and radio are moderately relied upon. In conclusion, pregnant women in Elele prefer personal and traditional sources over digital and broadcast media for health information. This preference underscores the need for tailored interventions to improve digital literacy and ICT utilization among this population.