Access and Use of Information by Primary Health Care Providers in Rural Uganda: A Qualitative Approach

This article summarises findings from a qualitative study conducted in rural Uganda, East Africa. The main aim of the study was to investigate the accessibility and use of health information in the lower echelons of Primary Health Care (PHC). Women, as PHC providers in an African family, were the focus as well as health workers. An interview schedule that consisted of open questions and one relating to health information critical incidents were used. A holistic inductive paradigm was adopted with a grounded theory analysis. The findings highlight a model of information behaviour that was driven by the value and impact of information unlike previous information models, which have been driven by information needs. The value and effect of information on PHC was as experienced and reported by the interviewees. Implications of the study and areas for further research are highlighted.