Professionalism of Public Universities Healthcare Workers and its Influence on Health Information Seeking Behaviours among Undergraduates in Ekiti State

This study examined the perceived professionalism of public universities healthcare workers and its influence on health information seeking behaviours among undergraduates in Ekiti State. The study examined the perception of undergraduates regarding professionalism among public universities healthcare workers in Ekiti state, health information-seeking behaviour of undergraduate, the extent to which perceived professionalism influences preference of health information sources, and the influence of perceived professionalism on undergraduates' health information-seeking behaviour. The study employed cross-sectional survey research design. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 384 undergraduates from two public universities in Ekiti state. Data gathered through structured self-administered questionnaires were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings revealed that respondents generally have a positive perception about the professionalism of health care providers in their universities. The study also revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between perceived professionalism and undergraduates' preference for health information sources, and overall health information-seeking behaviour. However, professionalism accounted for only a small proportion of the variance in the choice of sources of information; hence, other factors could influence this decision. Based on these findings, the study recommended that public university health centre administrators should strengthen professional conduct among healthcare personnel and create verified digital health information platforms like official websites or social media channels to complement face-to-face consultations and provide students with credible health information.