Library and Information Studies

Permanent URI for this collection

http://41.63.25.24:4000/handle/123456789/6

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 83

The 2018 research productivity of the university of Zambia.
(Zambia Journal of Library & Information Science, 2022) Makondo, Francina N. S.; Kanyengo, Wamunyima, Christine; Akakandelwa, Akakandelwa; Sitali, Wamundila; Moyo, Felicitas. N.; Chewe, Pailet; Monde, Wamunyima, Mercy; Phiri, Lighton; Kabilwa, Silumesi; Chitumbo, Miyanda, Eness M.; Chulu, Francis
This paper presents the findings of a study on research productivity of the University of Zambia (UNZA) in the year 2018 using selected bibliometric indicators. Data was collected from Scopus, PubMed, Google scholar, UNZA Institutional Repository, UNZA Journals Online, and others. Five hundred and sixteen (516) publications were analysed using Microsoft Excel. VOSviewer was used to visualise research themes based on keywords. The study established that 366 academic staff participated in the total research output, giving a 39% participation rate. Results further revealed an overall staff-to-paper publication ratio of 0.6 and 0.8 degrees of collaboration among the researchers. The research output was characterised by journal articles (79.8%) as the most preferred medium of research dissemination while the majority (80%) of the publications were multiple-authored. The study recommends converting traditional journals into online open access journals to improve the impact of UNZA's research output while encouraging staff to engage in research. Keywords: Bibliometric analysis, Research Output, Research Productivity, Research Assessment, Research Evaluation, Citations, Research Collaboration, University of Zambia, Zambia, 2018.
Application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in records management.
(Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ), 2019) Mulauzi, Felesia.
Modern technologies have become the foundation for process improvement and increased accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency in most organizations today. Records Management (RM) is one area in which the use of technology has become inevitable. Rapidly growing technological that can be used to effectively manage organizations records have been on the rise. This paper reviewed literature on application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the management of records. It highlights the importance of records and records management including consequences that may arise for poorly managing records in an organization. Traditional RM practices and its associated benefits and challenges have been explored. The paper explains how varied RM technologies can be employed to different records problems including the types of technology-based records management solutions, the benefits of technology-based records management solutions, key functions of records management software, basic criteria for evaluating and selecting a RM, and challenges of e-records management systems. The paper concludes that while organizations and records managers in particular are encouraged to take advantage of technology-based records management solutions to effectively and efficiently manage their records, electronic records systems should not be introduced without the essential processes and controls for the capture, long-term safeguarding and accessibility of electronic records that should safeguard the integrity of records relating to quality, comprehensiveness, accuracy, adequacy, completeness and authenticity. There is need to ensure that e-records systems provide trusted information that is relevant, reliable, accurate, complete and useable.
Archival legislation and the management of public sector records in Zambia: a critical review.
(University of South Africa, 2011) Hamooya, Chrispin; Mulauzi, Felesia; Njobvu, Benson
Governments all over the world require comprehensive archival legislation ensure that records and archives are managed accordingly for effective running of the current operations of organisation as well as for posterity. The paper argues that comprehensive legislation in the records management and archives administration act as a guiding principle to custodians and users of records and archives. Furthermore, the paper discusses archives legislation in Zambia and its role in the control and preservation of records of enduring value. The paper points out that the National Archives Act does not mandate the National Archives to manage current records and this hinders its operations. The paper contends that archives legislation in Zambia is not tandem developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICTs) vis-à-vis records management and issues that have to do with Freedom of Information Legislation (FOIL). It provides examples of archives legislation that have been reviewed and/or amendment in ESARBICA that as a result archival institutions in those countries be instrumental in promoting records management policies, standards and procedures. The paper concludes by making recommendations on the need for the National Archives of Zambia to extend its mandate to the management of records in public intuitions the need to manage electronic records and ensure that the Freedom of Information is developed and implemented.
An assessment on the usage of information communication technologies (ICTs) in the delivery of quality education: a comparative study of Hilcrest National school and David Livingstone secondary school in Livingstone.
(Department of Library and Information studies, 2015) Hamooya, Chrispin.; Siyomunji, Phyllis.
ICTs have been found to be a very important step in education around the world. The study aimed doing a comparative assessment on the usage of ICTs in the delivery of quality education; at Hillcrest National School and David Livingstone Secondary School in Livingstone. The objectives were to identify the usage and benefits of using ICTs in Schools, challenges faced by both teachers and pupils and lastly suggest measures towards improvement of ICTs. The sample firstly considered Grade 12 the pupils of these schools as these seen to have been at these school of long period. Then the teachers as well as the ICTs Co-ordinators were considered. The sample size consisted eighty ( 80) pupils, forty (40) pupils from each school and twenty (20) teachers which was ten (10) from each school and two (2) ICT coordinators meaning one (1) from each school. The sampling frame used was the establishment registers for 2014 while simple random sampling was used as a sampling technique. Eighty (80) questionnaires were distributed to pupils while twenty-two (22) semi-structured questionnaires were prepared for teachers and ICT coordinators to supply key information about the institutional framework. There was a 100% response rate in all categories. The study revealed that 100% respondents s at Hillcrest used ICTs as a source of information while only 50% used it at David Livingstone. Additionally, 100% at Hillcrest saw ICTs as a need in their studies while only 80% at David Livingstone thought so. The findings further reveal that 77.8 % of respondents at Hillcrest used ICTs for academic purposes while only 48.5 % at David Livingstone used it for such purposes. The findings of the study reviewed that benefits were enormous. In terms of challenges, 85% of respondents at Hillcrest thought time allocated for the usage of ICTs was not enough while at David Livingstone the lack of adequate ICTs was seen as a challenge. It was thus concludedgs are that the use of ICTs at Hillcrest was better than David Livingstone. Majority of the pupils at Hillcrest used computers because they were adequate as compared to David Livingstone which had very few computers. It was thus recommended that more time be allocated for ICT usage at Hillcrest while David Livingstone secondary School should improved on ICT facilities .
Attitudes of Librarians towards the use of Information and Communication Technologies in Zambia
(2011-02-18) Banda, Boniface
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are becoming widespread and libraries in developing countries are quickly adopting them. However, This is not matched with the requisite training and attitudes towards their use. Like in other developing countries, Libraries in Zambia are also rapidly adopting ICTs. Their application however, largely depends on the attitudes of librarians towards them. The purpose of this study was therefore to survey the attitudes of librarians towards the use of Information and Communication Technologies in Zambia. The study was intended to find out whether librarians were trained in the use of ICTs, their perceptions towards the use of ICTs, and factors contributing to their perceptions. This study also focused on how training of librarians in ICTs could influence their use. A survey method was used to collect data in tertiary and research institutions in Lusaka, Central and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia through a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected from 90 librarians were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel; and presented in the form of descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that librarians had training in ICTs received at University or College during their formal training. The perception of librarians towards use of ICTs was also generally positive as they consented to most of the attitude items. The study revealed that older librarians were uncomfortable to learn new skills compared to younger librarians and also feared that years of routine work could be replaced instantly with the introduction of ICTs. ICTs were also so recent that most librarians over the age of 280 have not had the benefit of computer training in the course of their studies. Younger librarians also rated their computer proficiency highly than older librarians. Non-professional librarians were also not given equal opportunity to use ICTs. Also, the tasks of librarians were very different and consequently the use of ICTs was more important to one group of librarians than the other. Furthermore, ICTs were recent and recently qualified librarians are trained in ICTs. The study also revealed that librarians employed on contract were given less opportunity to use ICTs and they also worked fewer hours than those on permanent. They also had belated or insufficient training hence found ICTs harder to use. Some librarians were afraid of being replaced by librarians with relevant skills, they also feared the effect brought about by ICTs on their health. Other librarians also believed that ICTs brought uncertainty and discomfort in them with regard to their job security. Information and Communication Technologies also brought more demand on librarians. However, the study revealed that ICTs never create additional tasks to be performed by librarians in a day. If further revealed that training was vital in influencing use of ICTs. Management should therefore, not overlook the perceptions of librarians and their training when new technologies are being introduced as users are key in the success of the adoption and use of technologies. I t is therefore recommended that more emphasis should be placed on changing the attitudes of librarians towards the use of ICTs. Equal opportunity of access to ICTs should also be given to all irrespective of gender, age and employment status, and attitude of librarians. To ensure successful adoption and implementation of ICTs, users of the new system are involved in the automation of the libraries. A funding policy should be put in place for training and procurement of ICT equipment and ICT should be a core component of formal library education in Zambia.
Automatic classification of digital objects for improved metadata quality of electronic theses and dissertations in institutional repositories.
(International Journal of Metadata, Semantics and Ontologies (IJMSO), 2020) Phiri, Lighton
Higher education institutions typically employ Institutional Repositories (IRs) in order to curate and make available Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs). While most of these IRs are implemented with self-archiving functionalities, self-archiving practices are still a challenge. This arguably leads to inconsistencies in the tagging of digital objects with descriptive metadata, potentially compromising searching and browsing of scholarly research output in IRs. This paper proposes an approach to automatically classify ETDs in IRs, using supervised machine learning techniques, by extracting features from the minimum possible input expected from document authors: the ETD manuscript. The experiment results demonstrate the feasibility of automatically classifying IR ETDs and, additionally, ensuring that repository digital objects are appropriately structured. Automatic classification of repository objects has the obvious benefit of improving the searching and browsing of content in IRs and further presents opportunities for the implementation of third-party tools and extensions that could potentially result in effective self-archiving strategies.
Challenges in reinvigorating and upgrading DSpace-based institutional repositories: a university of Zambia (UNZA) library case study.
(Institute of Development Studies, 2017-03) Makondo, Francina. N.; Kanyengo, Wamunyima, Christine; Bimbe, Nason B.; Kakana, Fabian; Sichilima, Chipefwe
The University of Zambia established an institutional repository (IR) in order to archive and make available to the research community the university’s intellectual output using DSpace. This paper describes the rationale behind the implementation of an IR, the equipment and software used digitise the materials. It further explains the steps taken and also challenges faced in installing the software and the process taken to upgrade it from version 1.6 to version 5.5. The latest stable version as on 9 January 2017 is DSpace 6, however we believe that the instructions contained in this paper will be applicable to this version of DSpace. As of January 2017, there were over 4,000 research materials archived in the University of Zambia IR which are now discoverable, searchable and accessible on the internet. Keywords: DSpace, institutional repository, University of Zambia, research, electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs).
Challenges of using Koha as a library management system among libraries in higher education institutions in Zambia.
(DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 2021-03-26) Bwalya, Tuesday; Akakandelwa, Akakandelwa
This study investigated the challenges facing libraries in higher education institutions in Zambia in their use of Koha. The study was a descriptive survey involving 41 libraries from higher education institutions. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The findings revealed that the major challenge was the inability of librarians to effectively use all the modules in Koha because of a lack of skills. The modules that are mainly used are circulation and cataloguing modules. The other challenges identified were poor Internet connectivity, lack of technical support, and difficulties upgrading and backing up the Koha database.
Challenges of using social media tools for learning among students: a case of library and information science students at the university of Zambia.
(Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA), international journal of teaching and learning in Africa, 2016) Mwiinga, Thabiso, Mayaba; M'kulama, Abel
The research investigated the challenges of using social media applications for learning among undergraduate students at the University of Zambia. It specifically sought to investigate what social media tools were being used by the undergraduates; and establish challenges undergraduates face in the use of social media tools. A sample of 175 Library and Information Science students at the University of Zambia was randomly selected for the study. The data was collected via self-administered questionnaires. The study established that students were using all the four social media tools under investigation. The findings further indicate that the major challenge students faced in the use of social media applications is inadequate knowledge and skill. The study concludes that although Library and Information Science students at the University of Zambia use social media applications they still lack knowledge and skill in the educational use of such tools. And lastly, the study recommends that lecturers should provide their students with opportunities to exercise the use of social media in their coursework; and that further research is needed that studies lecturers’ acceptance and utilization of social media applications for teaching and learning.
Creating and promoting a reading culture in school libraries in the ICT era.
(Zambia Library Association, 2013-07) Mulauzi, Felesia; Mwale-Munsanje, Velenasi
The paper examined the activities that school librarians and teachers undertake to create and promote a reading culture among learners in secondary schools. The decline in the reading culture among learners in Zambia is a worrisome situation for educational success and the country’s development at large. The role of the school library in education is seen from the basic level of inculcating the reading culture among learners.The study was conducted in some secondary schools in Lusaka Province and it employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. 46 secondary schools participated in the study. The researchers used a questionnaire and an interview guide to gather primary data. The study reports interesting revelation of the activities school librarians and teachers undertake to create and promote a reading culture among learners in the era of ICT. These include the following: recorded lessons, Internet searches, book fare sensitisation campaigns, award giving to regular patrons, reading programs, school debate sessions, press clubs, reference services, book reviews after reading, deliberate policy to keep learners in the library, reading clubs, reading lessons. Based on the above, a major recommendation is made that a reading environment should be provided for all learners in schools for them to develop good reading culture. The study will help policy makers including librarians and school administrators to design appropriate reading programs for learners in secondary schools in Zambia.
Digitisation: a panacea for increased access to historical information at the National Archives of Zambia.
(2012-07) Hamooya, Chrispin; Mulauzi, Felesia; Njobvu, Benson
Digitization which is the process of converting analogy information into digital format is mostly meant to safeguard and ensure the preservation of the most valuable and perishable components of the archival information as well as make it more accessible and facilitate their future fruition by a broader number of researchers and interested parties. The paper discusses the research which was undertaken at the National Archives of Zambia whose main objective was to assess the utilization of digitized archival information by researchers at National Archives of Zambia. The study population consisted of all the 120 registered researchers. The findings of the study revealed that all while the majority of researchers were able to access digitized information whilst at the National Archives of Zambia, they did not know initially that most of the historical information was digitized. It was thus recommended that National Archives of Zambia members of staff should guide researchers by providing information on what has been digitized and can be accessed on the computer terminals. A guide or manual should be given to all researchers especially those using the National Archives for the first time. Furthermore, the study revealed that the majority of the researcher considered using computer terminals in accessing archival information faster as people could access the same information at the same time. However, researchers were concerned with the inadequacy of computers at the National Archives of Zambia. It was thus recommended that National Archives of Zambia should provide more computers for researchers to use to access digitised archival information. It was finally concluded that the provision of digitised archival information allows users to access the required information effectively and efficiently.
Economic impacts of child marriage : issues of sustainable development goals (SDGS).
(The University of Zambia, 2018) Shameenda, Kimbo Lemmy
This study investigated economic impacts of child marriage as direct violation of the issues of sustainable development goals (SDGs). The specific objectives of this study were: participation and decision-making, educational attainment, labour force participation, violence, and health. It also looked at the existing link between child marriage and SDGs. This study used desk review methodology to review existing published and grey literature. Simple inclusion criteria for the search created a comprehensive list of data sources, including data from peer-reviewed journals, grey literature and other sources. Most documents included in this review consisted of grey literature publications such as reports by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Population Council, Human Rights Watch, Girls Not Brides, Equality Now, Plan International, the World Bank and International Center for Research on Women (ICRW). The following key search terms were included: child marriage; early marriage; forced marriage; child brides; girls’ decision making; sustainable development goals (SDGs); education attainment; work labour participation; health knowledge; violence against girls; age at first marriage. The search then prioritized the inclusion of documents that provided detail on programming and policy efforts to address child marriage, and noted key documents that provide insight into the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of the practice. The study findings revealed that child marriage directly hinders the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It exposes them to violence throughout their lives and traps them in a cycle of poverty. It is recommended that ending child marriage requires an integrated and coordinated approach involving Government, International Partners and local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). This study concludes that with the full commitment of governments, development practitioners, civil societies, communities, families and girls themselves, a world without child marriage can become a reality
Effect of high pupil-teacher ratio on the quality of teaching and learning process of mathematics in selected public secondary schools of Lusaka district, Zambia.
(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2020-07) Kalemba, Christabel M.; Mulauzi, Felesia
The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of pupil-teacher ratio on the quality of teaching and learning process of mathematics in selected public secondary schools of Lusaka district. Four specific research objectives which guided the study were; to determine the proportion of pupils in an average class in public secondary schools of Lusaka district; to establish the average pupil-teacher ratio in public secondary schools of Lusaka district; to determine the effects of class size on the teaching/learning process in public secondary schools of Lusaka district; and ascertain the strategies to improve or promote the quality of teaching/learning Mathematics in selected Public Secondary Schools of Lusaka District. The study employed descriptive survey design, and both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to carry out the study. A multi-method approach involving interviews, questionnaires, focus group and document review was used to collect data. Participants and respondents were selected using random and purposive sampling procedures respectively. The study revealed that pupil-teacher ratio is high in most public secondary schools and has a negative effect on pupil academic performance in public secondary schools. From the findings, it is recommended that the government should employ competent teachers in order to increase the teaching force and encourage people with academic qualifications to join the teaching profession.
Effective ingestion of digital objects in institutional repositories using subject repositories.
(IST-Africa Institute /IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd, 2021-05) Phiri, Lighton
The online visibility of scholarly research output from the Global South is cited as being low. This is despite the increased number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) setting up institutional Repositories (IR), to facilitate the collection, long-term preservation and effective access to scholarly research output. One of the most common challenges faced by HEIs is ensuring regular ingestion of digital objects in IRs. In order to address this challenge, we propose the use of subject IRs by HEIs in order to facilitate the increased online visibility of scholarly research output. This paper outlines a case study conducted at The University of Zambia (UNZA), in order to demonstrate the feasibility of using subject IR at relatively large HEIs. A situational analysis was conducted to determine the relative effectiveness of ingesting digital objects at UNZA, and additionally, a subject repository was implemented in order to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing subject repositories. The results suggest that it is feasible to implement usable subject repositories, presenting opportunities to decentralise the ingestion of digital objects at large HEIs. This has the obvious benefit of facilitating effective self-archiving of digital objects and the subsequent increased online visibility of scholarly research output.
Equal access to information: serving the needs of visually impaired in Zambia.
(2011-03-01) Makondo N. Francina
An evaluation of children and youth’s usage of the Lubuto model library services.
(The University Of Zambia School of Education Department Library and Information Science, 2018-12) Akakandelwa, Akakandelwa; Chanza, Namunza; Chisenga, Kenneth; Mwiya, Lungowe; Matani, Mfumukazi M.
The main objective of this study was evaluate the usefulness of services offered by Lubuto Model Library to children and youths. The specific objectives of the study were: to establish the extent to which the children and youths use the services being offered at Lubuto Model Library, to investigate the social-economic benefits children and youth derive from their usage of Lubuto Model Library, to establish the extent to which the children and youths are satisfied with the services offered at Lubuto Model Library, to assess the challenges children and youths face when using the services offered at Lubuto Model Library, and to investigate the impact of the mentorship program offered at Lubuto Model Library on the children and youths. The study used both convenience and purposive sampling to sample the respondents. Data was collected using administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic techniques while quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Packaging for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 to generate frequencies, charts and other descriptive statistics. Ninety-three percent of the respondents were regular users of Lubuto Model Library, of which 49% visited the library daily while 44% visited the library on a weekly basis. The majority of the respondents visited the library for the following services to attend the reading program (43%), to attend the mentorship program (20.5%), and to use the computers and the Internet (20.5%). Some of the social-economic benefits respondents derived from the use of the Lubuto Model Library included improved reading skills (17%), obtaining sex education (14%), access to free computers and Internet (12%), enabled them choose careers (9%), and them discover their talents (8%),enabled them receive mentorship, received counselling (6%), provided facilities to do their homework (6%), enabled them to make friends (4%) and to connect with their families (4%), enabled them receive scholarships (3%). Respondents were satisfied with the library staff’s hospitality and commitment (88.8%), the social interactions that the library was facilitating (83.7%), the movies they had been watching (79.6%), literacy programs (77.6%), the general environment (76.5%), the available books (72.2%). The major challenges respondents were facing as they used the Library include noise (31.4%), difficulties in accessing books (16.2%), and inadequate toilet facilities (1.5%). ii The respondents reported that the mentorship program enabled to develop high levels of selfesteem, abstain casual unprotected sex, develop self-confidence, improve social interaction, attain sex education and knowledge on HIV/AIDS, knowledge on gender roles, obtain scholarships, return to school, develop personal hygiene, and access to counselling. The study recommends that the Ministry of General Education, through the Zambia Library Service, should work in collaboration with the Lubuto Library Partners and other nongovernmental organizations to provide similar library services across the country.
Examination malpractice: a study of selected technical educational vocational entrepreneurship training (TEVET) institutions on the Copperbelt province of Zambia.
(Journal of Lexicography and Terminology | Volume 3, No. 2. (Pub. 20.12.2019), 2019-12-20) Bbalo, Juliana Renate; Mulauzi, Felesia
This study aimed at assessing the management of examination malpractice in selected Technical Education Vocational Entrepreneurship (TEVET) institutions on the Copperbelt Province. Therefore, the study was designed to investigate the forms of examination malpractice, assess the causes of examination malpractice, examine the effectiveness of the TEVETA examination guidelines in curbing examination malpractice, determine the challenges faced in curbing malpractice and establish measures to help in curbing examination malpractice in selected TEVET institutions on the Copperbelt Province. Qualitative methods were largely employed in the study. Case study design was employed in this study, whose study sample was 145, comprising of students, lecturers, Examinations Officers and an Assessment Specialist at TEVETA. Data collection was done through focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analysed through thematic analysis. The study established that examination malpractice was real in TEVET institutions. This was evident from the three forms of examination malpractice that emerged from the study namely individually enhanced, technologically enhanced and collaborative cheating methods occur in the learning institutions. It was also found that personal factors, academic factors, social factors, psychological factors and environmental factors were the causes of examination malpractice in the institutions. The findings of the study further showed that TEVETA examination regulations were effective in curbing examination malpractice. Lastly, the study revealed that the institutions were faced with challenges in curbing the vice which included inadequate sensitization programmes and inadequate implementation of examination guidelines. The study made recommendations that TEVETA should intensify the monitoring of teaching and how examinations were conducted as well as to take an active role in sensitising students about the dangers of examination malpractice.
Exploring selected theories applicable to educational disciplines and social sciences research.
(International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE), 2019-12) Nkhata, Bentry; Mkandawire, Sitwe Benson; Nachiyunde, Kabunga; Phiri-Nalube, Patricia; Kaani, Bestern; Mulenga, Innocent Mutale; Phiri, Chidongo; Chileshe, Bernard; Sichula, Noah Kenny; Sikayomya, Patrick; Munachaka, Jonathan C; Banda, Dennis; Mulauzi, Felesia; Serenje-Chipindi, Janet; Chipindi, Ferdinand Mwaka
This paper sought to advance an understanding of selected theories applicable to educational disciplines and social sciences. The authors conducted a search on academic institutional repositories for dissertations, theses and research papers across the globe. International databases such as JSTOR, Intellect Journals Collection, and Science Direct were also searched by means of such terms and parameters as theory, educational theories, social science theories and research theories. Google Scholar, Research Gate, Academia, and Scopus were included in the search. The theories were then analyzed through cross-reference with other existing literature for validation. Notes were simultaneously taken and bookended by critical review of emerging trends. The study identified several theories which were grouped in themes based on relatedness and applicability. The theories included intersectionality, Simple View of Reading, Transformational Learning, and commognition. The article concludes that there is a lot of room for theoretical mapping of educational research efforts. Specific recommendations are proposed to help enhance the potency of education-related research.
The functions and roles of college libraries in forming good teachers
(2011-03-17) Chikwekwe, Nkatya
The article looks at functions and roles that College libraries play in the formation of good teachers.The major roles discussed are provision of information to teachers and teaching reading and information literacy skills.
Health information literacy,information needs and information seeking behaviours among mothers with children under the age of five: a case study of Chilenje level one hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.
(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2020-07) Mulauzi, Felesia.; Chisha, Delphine.; Alwisho, Ivy.; Chiumia, Emmanuel.; Makasa, Charles.; Hakalumbwe, Dexter.
The main aim of this study was to investigate the health information literacy, information needs and information seeking behavior of mothers with children under the age of five. Chilenje Township of Lusaka, Zambia was used as a case study. The specific objectives of the study were to: ascertain the extent to which mothers with children under the age of five were aware of the health information they needed; identify the sources of health information mothers with children under the age of five consult and the frequency of search; establish the relationship between a child`s characteristics and mother`s health information needs; and ascertain the challenges mothers with children under the age of five face to access health information. The study included 26 respondents consisting of 20 mothers and 6 health key informants that work at the children’s department of Chilenje level 1 Hospital. Findings of the study showed that mothers with children under the age of five were to a greater extent aware of the health information they needed. Health information on children’s vaccination/ immunization; weight; nutrition and diet/food preparation; deworming; common illnesses; dental health; umbilical cord care; breastfeeding and formula feeding methods; medicines; development of speech; and clothing were the mother’s most needed health information. According to the study results, Healthcare providers e.g. hospital and clinics; the Internet (including WhattsApp, Facebook); mass media (i.e. radio, television, newspapers); community health workers; friends and relatives; mobile phones; and printed books and brochures were the most used sources of health information by mothers. Further, findings on mothers’ frequency of search for health information revealed that the source they used, the child condition and the age of the child determined their frequency to look for health information. The study also revealed that age, gender, weight, health fitness and height influenced the type of health information that mothers sought. The study finally showed misinformation, language barrier, cost, poor information literacy skills, and limited time as the main challenges faced by mothers in their search for health information. The study recommends that there is need for health information providers to meet the health information needs of mothers by providing them with information in the right format using appropriate channels.

Browse

Browsing Library and Information Studies by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options