CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

The world has dramatically shifted to digital forms of information searching, which has undoubtedly altered people's perceptions of health care, information seeking, and determining the best path to health, particularly among adolescents.With its accessibility and growing awareness and reception of virtual social networks, the Internet is a worldwide set of links that helps revolutionize interpersonal ties. This enables the creation of sophisticated and resourceful platforms for a wide range of communication and broadcasting of unwavering and transparent information, regardless of their geographic location. The Internet and the World Wide Web have also aided users in obtaining vital, fundamental, and critical information regarding their health and well-being. Prescriptions, self-diagnosis, and reasons, as well as care and side effects, can all be obtained through global intercommunication before, during, during, and after a consultation with a physician. According to a similar study, internet use is particularly significant because having access to information is a crucial management method for taking control of one's health, and youngsters are not exempt. From an individual standpoint, the health information seeking pattern is primarily concerned with making a realistic decision to cope with health difficulties and seek medical treatment and attention within the available resources. Health information seeking is a well-known truth. Therefore, attempting to get people to explore health precautions necessitates an indulgence of their zeal for such behavior.

The concept of health-seeking behavior is a method of thinking about how people react to being sick. Individual responses are influenced by their beliefs about healthcare, knowledge of illness, and social and economic constraints. The availability of readily available healthcare services, as well as the attention of healthcare providers, are critical to the health of students (Afolabi et al. 2013). Experts in health promotion are concerned about the factors affecting public health behavior as understanding of health promotion advances globally. Students' health-seeking behavior is defined as a person who is in charge of their own health (Mackian,2011). A universal concern in both developed and developing countries is that providing education and knowledge to kids is critical to improving student behavior. Many factors influence the health and well-being of students, the most powerful of which are education, diet, tradition, culture, economic status attainment, genetics, housing, and employment (Beaglehole, 2002,). In the twenty-first century, health promotion practitioners must recognize the importance of these elements in promoting public health. The term "health" has different meanings for different age groups, cultures, and people with different life skills and educations.As a result, in the context of their thinking, each individual provides a different interpretation of the terms disease and health (UNDP, 2005). Furthermore, social, economic, and environmental factors influence the concept of health and sickness.

1.2  Statement of problem

The most serious issue regarding the rise in internet health-seeking behaviour is the potential for harm. The data uncovered could be misleading or incorrect. Furthermore, the majority of medical information websites provide technical information to a public that is unfamiliar with medical literature (Benigeri & Pluye, 2003). The majority of people who utilize these websites lack the medical understanding required to appropriately grasp and digest the information provided. This could result in a false self-diagnosis, in which case the patient will not receive the appropriate treatment for his or her condition. A misdiagnosis of a serious illness might worsen the patient's condition and even result in death.

1.3 Objective of study

The following are primary objectives of this study

1. To investigate the influence of the internet on students' health-seeking behaviors.

2. To examine the impact of the internet on students' decisions to consult a doctor when ill at Veritas University.

3. To find out if using the internet promotes or lowers self-medication among Veritas University students.

1.4 Research questions

1. What is the impact of the internet on students' health-seeking behaviors?

2. What effect does the internet have on Veritas University students' decisions to see a doctor when they are sick?

3. Is it true that using the internet promotes or discourages self-medication and medication among Veritas university students?

1.5 Significance of study

The general public will benefit from this study. In order to raise understanding of the influence of this method of information-seeking behavior on young people's health outcomes, an immediate sensitization/orientation program that would function as a positive intervention should be implemented in schools, youth leisure facilities, and public places.

1.6 Scope of study

The study focuses on investigating the influence of the internet on students' health-seeking behaviors. It also seeks to examine the impact of  internet  on students' decisions to consult a doctor when ill. Lastly, to find out if using the internet promotes or lowers self-medication among students. This study is delimited to students in Veritas university.

1.7 Limitation of study

Finance,inadequate materials and time constraint were the challenges the researchers encountered during the course of the study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Health- Seeking behavior: This has been defined as any activity undertaken by individuals who perceive themselves to have a health problem or to be ill for the purpose of finding an appropriate remedy.

Internet:The Internet is a vast network that connects computers all over the world. Through the Internet, people can share information and communicate from anywhere with an Internet connection.

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