Explore barriers to using the internet for health information access in African countries: A systematic review.

Abstract

Background: The Internet is a crucial source of health information, providing access to vast volumes of high-quality, up-to-date, and relevant healthcare information. Its impact extends beyond information access, influencing medical practice through the widespread adoption of telemedicine and evidence-based medicine. Despite the significant global increase in internet usage, Africa lags in internet penetration, particularly in utilizing the internet for health information. This study aims to systematically review the literature to explore barriers to accessing health information on the Internet in African countries.

Methods: The study was conducted from January 1 to February 28, 2023. It followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline to systematically review published studies investigating the utilization of the Internet for health information in African countries. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Hinari, CINAHL, and Global Health. The inclusion criteria were applied, resulting in the selection of six studies that formed the basis for our analysis.

Result: This systematic review identifies eleven barriers to accessing health information on the internet. These include a lack of ownership of smart electronic devices, infrequent internet use, limited internet access, low E-health and computer literacy, slow internet connection, high cost of internet access, insufficient information search skills, residing in rural areas, dealing with diverse fields, and having low perceptions.

Conclusion: Improving our understanding of barriers to accessing health information online is essential for policymakers, governments, academics, and healthcare professionals. To enhance the use of the Internet for health information and strengthen the overall health system, policymakers should prioritize increasing Internet accessibility, reducing costs, improving connections, offering basic computer skills training, and ensuring the availability of electronic devices in all institutions.