FUDMA International Journal of Library Science and Information Management

Federal University Dutsinma
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Assessment of Health Information Resources Utilization by Diabetic Patients in Katsina State, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.57233/fudmajlis.69c90e2baaf2d
Pages: 202-212 Volume: Vol. 5 | Issue: No. 2 Published: March 29, 2026

Abstract

This study assessed the utilization of health information resources by diabetic patients in Katsina State, Nigeria, examining sources utilized and challenges encountered. A descriptive survey design was employed with 573 registered diabetic patients recruited from six hospitals using multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and were tested for reliability using Cronbach\\\'s alpha which yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.875. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Interpersonal sources including co-workers (91.1%), charity organizations (90.4%), other diabetic patients (87.0%), nurses (84.2%), and medical practitioners (80.8%) were the most utilized resources. Conversely, libraries (15.8%), internet (24.0%), and television programmes (26.7%) were grossly underutilized. Overall utilization stood at 65.19%. Major challenges included lack of resources (mean=3.62), inaccessibility (mean=3.62), poor applicability (mean=3.55), poor internet connectivity (mean=3.53), absence of local language programmes (mean=3.49), and lack of computer skills (mean=3.36). The cluster mean of 3.45 confirmed multiple interconnected challenges. Diabetic patients in Katsina State rely predominantly on interpersonal sources while formal and digital sources remain underutilized due to systemic and individual-level challenges. Hospital libraries should acquire Hausa language resources and train healthcare providers in information delivery. The Ministry of Health should improve internet infrastructure and establish digital literacy programmes. Functional medical libraries with audio-visual resources and a centralized diabetes information network should be established.

Keywords: Health information resources, information utilization, diabetic patients, Katsina State
How to Cite:
Amina Suleiman Miko et al. (2026). Assessment of Health Information Resources Utilization by Diabetic Patients in Katsina State, Nigeria. FUDMA International Journal of Library Science and Information Management (FIJLSIM), Vol. 5(No. 2), 202-212. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.57233/fudmajlis.69c90e2baaf2d
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