School of Information and Communication Studies
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Browsing School of Information and Communication Studies by Author "Adams, M."
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Item Health Information Seeking Behaviour on the Internet in Ghana: A Survey of Graduate Students at Knust.(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Humphrey- Ackumey, S.A.Y.; Adjei, E.A.; Adams, M.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Information StudiesThe Internet is transforming the way in which consumers seek for health information to approach their health care and needs. The purpose of this study was to investigate health information seeking behaviour on the Internet among graduate students in KNUST. Grounded in the tradition of human health and information seeking literature, the study was underpinned by Johnson‟s Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) theory. The study adopted a quantitative method using a cross-sectional survey approach. The study involved a sample of 256 and restricted to graduate students studying courses related to health in the Arts and Social Sciences and Sciences (Sociology, Medicine, Allied Heath and Pharmacy). Data was analysed using SPSS version 17.0 and presented by means of both simple descriptive and inferential statistics with a response rate of 77.3 %. Results showed that most of the respondents used search engines, non-advertising Internet sources, and social media networks to source for health information on the Internet. The respondents preferred the Internet because it was timely, fast and provided information from different sources simultaneously. They also indicated that it provided lots of very useful information on preventive medicine and also ensures the confidentiality and anonymity of health information seekers. The type(s) of health information mostly sought for were general information on healthy lifestyle, specific information about a specific disease or treatment, information on the side effects of medications, information about new development in the medical field among others. Majority (90.9 %) of the respondents trusted the health information on the InternetItem Information Seeking Behaviour of Visually Challenged Students in Public Universities: A Study of University of Ghana, Legon and University of Education, Winneba.(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Appiah, D.K.; Adams, M.; Adjei, E.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Information StudiesResearch on information seeking behavior of the visually challenged students was carried out in University of Ghana, Legon and University of Education, Winneba to investigate whether the services provided by those universities accommodated the information seeking behavior of visually challenged students or not. The theoretical framework for the study was Wilson’s (1999) Information Behaviour Model. The survey method was used to collect data and 80 copies of a questionnaire were distributed to visually challenged students in both universities. Out of the 80 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 68 were completed and returned giving a response rate of 85%. The major findings of the study were that only one of the universities surveyed provides special services for visually challenged students. There were no specific policies from both universities Resources Centre (RC)/ Office of Students with Special Needs (OSSN) for the provision of information services for this group of students. The visually challenged students got information to meet their academic needs through discussions with colleagues, visiting the RC/OSSN, browsing the Internet and relying on lecturers. Most of the students preferred electronic format depending on their level of sightedness. Also facilities, equipment and staff were found to be inadequate. The challenges facing students in seeking information include: print materials, mobility problems, poor library facilities and slow Internet connectivity. Recommendations made include a written service policy, provision of assistive technology devices and computers with Job Access with Speech (JAWS) software to improve information services for these special groups of visually challenged studentsItem Use of Electronic Information Resources for Research and Learning in Private Universities in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Budu, S.; Alemna, A.A.; Adams, M.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Information StudiesAlthough Electronic Information Resources (EIR) have become an important part of research and learning in Universities, a growing body of literature suggests that its utilisation amongst students in especially developing countries tends to be low. It follows therefore that any evidence-based research that seeks to unravel the factors that drive this unresponsive behaviour towards EIR usage especially in private universities is of high demand. The main objective of this study was to find out the level of use of electronic information resources by students of Akrofi - Christaller Institute of Theology, Missions and Culture (ACI) and the Ghana Technology University College (GTUC). The study applied the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in addition to other measures to investigate students‟ usage of e-resources in their studies. The study adopted a survey method with questionnaire serving as the main instrument to collect data from students of ACI and GTUC through accidental and convenience sampling techniques. The empirical data was analysed mainly through descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage distributions. A Pearson‟s product-moment correlation analysis was also run to ascertain the relationship between actual usage, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of EIR. Among other things, the study revealed that there was high awareness of EIR amongst students. Further, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were found to influence the extent to which students actually utilised EIR in a significant and positive manner. To improve the utilisation of e-journals for optimum academic output in universities in Ghana especially private ones, the study recommended enhancement of infrastructural provision and regular information literacy training for students. Key words: Correlation, Electronic Information Resources (EIR), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)