Utilization of Social Media Network for Health Information and its Associated Factors among Students in Debreberhan University

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: -. Social network technologies became a part of health education and wider health promotion either purposely or coincidence. Although online health information seeking occurs worldwide, limited empirical studies exist examining health information utilization by using online sources. Objective: - to assess utilization of social media network for health information and its associated factors among students in Debrebirhan university Method: - Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 3 march 2019 in Debreberhan University with a sample size of 845 students by using Multi- stage stratified sampling techniques. EPI INFO version 7.2 statistical software was used to enter data; Descriptive statistics and Binary logistic regression analysis were done using SPSS software version 20. First bi-variable then variables p<0.2 inserted to multi- variable analysis Result: - The overall utilization of social media network for health information was 52.5 %.( 95% CI: 49.1, 56.0). Adjusting for all other factors in the final model, Mother educational status (AOR= 2.96, 95% CI: 1.45, 6.01), Time spent on social media network(AOR= 6.78, 95% CI: 1.65, 27.82), Frequency of using social media network per a day(AOR= 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07,3.02, Field of study(AOR= 2.59, 95% CI: 1.45,4.63), Special IT training(AOR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.52,4.14) and Self rated IT skill(AOR= 2.94, 95% CI: 1.22, 7.09) were significantly associated with utilization of social media network for health information. Conclusion and Recommendation: The finding of this study suggests the high potential of social media for delivering health information. Mother educational status, time spent on social media per a day, frequency of using social media network, field of study, special information technology training and Information technology skill were predictors of social media network utilization for health information. Giving basic information technology training is an important action to be taken. Key words: Social media network, Health Information, Utilization, Associated factors, Students