Research paper pp. 415-429
Purpose – The aim of this study is to examine accessibility of health information to women in Tanzania
with reference to the Morogoro region. The specific objectives of the study were: first, to identify the health
information needs of women; second, to determine the accessibility of the needed health information to women
in the study area; and third, to determine the preferred sources of information used by women in accessing
health information in the study area.
Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive survey method – cross-sectional design – was used.
Semi-structured questionnaires with both open- and close-ended questions were used to collect data from four
wards of Morogoro Municipal Council, Tanzania. Key informant interviews were conducted with 12 women
from four wards, 3 women were selected from each ward.
Findings – The findings also indicated that there was a significant relationship between wards and
accessibility to certain types of information which were concerning hypertension, family planning, malaria
and typhoid. Although information on diabetes and hypertension had lower percentages of accessibility in all
four wards, the study findings revealed that medical doctors, pharmacy shops and family were the main
sources of information used by women to access health information. Radio and television were rated as
preferred sources of information required by women, whereas internet, local herb hawkers and mobile phones
were rated as non-preferable. It is therefore recommended that the government through health-care providers
and medical librarians should be proactive in creating awareness and disseminate health information on non-
communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes to women.
Practical implications – This paper provides practical recommendations on how to improve
accessibility of health information in the communities.
Social implications – The paper has an implication of improving accessibility of health information to
women in the communities.
Originality/value – The paper provides appropriate knowledge that is needed in improving access to
health information in Tanzanian communities and in other developing countries communities