Effect of social trust on health information exchange in social network sites

Background: The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review of the role of social trust in health information exchange on social network sites (SNSs). In the light of the confusion and panic about health information leading to and during the worldwide lockdown, in an attempt to control the spread and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although the sharing of health information on SNS did not start during the COVID-19 lockdown, the concerns about health information interchange were highlighted during the lockdown. Objectives: This study investigates the nature of the association between health information exchange and social trust and how social trust has influenced health information exchange from 2005 to 2021. Method: In line with the purpose of the study, the researcher applied a systematic literature review to review conference articles, accredited journal articles and book chapters. The review process involved a rigorous procedure towards a definition of review protocol, extraction of articles, formulation of selection criteria and the review itself. Results: This study reveals a transactional interplay between the constructs of social trust (benevolence, integrity and competence) and social network site user roles (information seeker, information passer and information giver). Conclusion: In summary, the researcher argues that public health officials would benefit from setting up an SNS that proactively provides health information. The health information exchange experience should be designed in a way that takes into account how social trust can be used to moderate health information exchange in the SNS by different types.

Effect of video-based information on preoperative State trait anxiety inventory scores in adult patients presenting for elective caesarean section: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common occurrence in patients presenting for surgery with a reported incidence of up to 80%. Increased preoperative anxiety has been associated with increased morbidity. Provision of information relating to surgery and anesthesia to patients has been proven to have benefit in allaying anxiety. However, the best format of information dissemination remains unknown. Objective: To determine the effect of video information in addition to the pre-anesthetic review on the mean preoperative State anxiety inventory (STAI-S) score in adult patients presenting for elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUHN), and to determine the prevalence of preoperative anxiety in the obstetric population presenting for elective caesarean section at AKUHN. Methods: Thirty-seven adult patients booked for elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the study arm, a video was shown to the participants in addition to the standard pre-anesthetic review. In the control arm the participants only had a standard pre-anesthetic review. Results: The mean STAI-T score in the sampled population was 45.64 (SD 5.625). The mean baseline STAI-S score was 46.32 (SD 4.911). There was no statistically significant difference in change in STAI score between the video and control arms (p>0.05). Conclusion: On the basis of this study among this population, there was no benefit demonstrated from the use of an information video about spinal anesthesia on anxiety levels in obstetric patients presenting for a first time spinal

Creating value-based medical library services through competitive intelligence

Competitive Intelligence is a management tool that enables top executives make smart, successful and strategic decisions thereby minimizing risk, avoiding being short-sighted, and getting it right the first time. The paper is a review on how the medical library can employ competitive intelligence to enhance their services in the healthcare organization. The paper notes that competitive intelligence will enable Medical Libraries to offer innovative and creative services. The paper concludes that medical librarians and information professionals should be re-positioned to become strategic part ofthe corporate information environment. They must also become more proactive in promoting their services andprojecting their library within their own organization.

Socio-demographic variables as predictors of accessibility, utilization, and preference for reproductive health information sources among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities

This study examined socio-demographic variables as predictors of accessibility, utilization and preference for reproductive health information sources among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. The study adopted a survey research design. A sample of 2615 undergraduate students was drawn from six conventional federal universities in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data were collected using the questionnaire. Of the 2615 copies of questionnaire distributed, 1615 usable copies of the questionnaire were returned, giving 62% return rate. Result of Regression analysis revealed that the seven independent variables jointly predicted accessibility to reproductive health information sources, utilization of reproductive health information sources, preference for reproductive health information sources and knowledge of reproductive health among undergraduate students. The study concluded that strategies aimed at the provision of access to reproductive health information to young people may be more effective if their socio-demographic characteristics are factored into such interventions.