Accessibility and Utilization of Health Information by Rural Women in Vihiga County, Kenya

ACCESSIBILITY AND UTILIZATION OF HEALTH INFORMATION BY RURAL WOMEN IN VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA. Findings showed that there was a strong need for health information of all types. Most of the information needed related to day to-day health problems and that women have health information needs which are not adequately satisfied by the existing information systems and services due to poverty, lack of awareness to adequate health information resources, illiteracy, and poor information communication channels, among others. Information was accessed mainly through face to - face communication, cell phone, radio, and television. Choice of information sources was influenced by the respondents level of education, income, age, occupation and distance to and location of information sources. The paper concludes by recommending appropriate strategies necessary for improving information accessibility in rural areas of Vihiga County in Kenya at large. In view of the above, there is need to improve the existing health information infrastructure in the county by introducing the use of suitable ICTs such as radio, TV, among others. Information providers should regularly identify the health information needs of the women since these will keep changing from time to time and base health information services on identified needs. Health information should be repackaged and disseminated to the women in appropriate forms suitable for them, in line with their levels of education for easy access and use. There is need also to enhance the skills of rural women through equitable training and education. This will enable them to access and use timely and adequate health information, and consequently improve their health.