Browsing by Author "Bitegela, Elizabeth Edward"

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    Information needs and information seeking behaviour of orphans in selected public primary schools in Kinondoni district, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Bitegela, Elizabeth Edward
    The purpose of the study was to find out the information needs and seeking behaviour of orphans in selected public primary schools in Kinondoni District. More specifically, it identified information needs and seeking behaviour of orphans, sources and channels of information used by orphans and caregivers to access information and problems they face. Finally, strategies needed to improve information access to orphans. The study used a combination of instruments to collect data including questionnaire, interviews, observations and documentary reviews. A total of 212 respondents participated in the study. Data was processed and analysed using SPSS programme and content analysis. The findings reveal that information being essential factor in enabling proper decision¬making and informed choices, it was not effectively accessed by majority of the orphans. Furthermore, findings indicate that, although orphans had a wide range of information needs, these needs were largely not met due to financial constraints, lack of awareness of key sources of information due to low literacy levels and inadequate information search skills. The findings show that the key sources and channels of information which, are used by orphans to access information include teachers, the radio, friends and relatives whereas caregivers and teachers use radio and community meetings to access information. On the basis of the study findings, the study recommends the following: the government should support and complement efforts of NGOs that support orphans. In addition, the government and other private organizations in collaboration with Tanzania library services should establish information resource centres or libraries in every public primary school, which should be stocked with information on orphans' issues in Kiswahili language. Finally, NGOs dealing with orphans and legal issues and religious institutions should organize seminars and workshops for orphans, caregivers and teachers on orphans' needs, rights and obligation.
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    An investigation of availability, access and use of health related information of cholera in affected communities: a case study of Kinondoni Municipality
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2005) Bitegela, Elizabeth Edward
    The study examined factors that influence access to and use of cholera information in preventing persistence cholera outbreaks in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam region, and obstacles to successful information dissemination in affected communities and how this can be improved. The study was conducted in five wards and two health centres, namely Manzese, Mabibo, Kigogo, Tandale and Mburahati wards; Magomeni and Mwananyamal health Centres in Kinondoni District. A combination of methods were used to collect data for this survey including structured standardized questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions, complimented by face-to-face interviews and observations. A total of 67 respondents participated in this study. Major findings of this study revealed that even though information is a key factor in planning, policy formulation and implementation and decision-making, yet information is not effectively utilized in preventing cholera outbreaks. Furthermore water shortages, ignorance, poor sanitation, poor hygiene and settlement planning and weak infrastructure also contribute significantly to persistent cholera outbreaks in Kinondoni District. Similarly, while newspapers, television and radio are major dissemination channels yet due to low individual income most respondents do not utilize these channels to access information about cholera. Community meetings, friends and neighbours and home visits are the methods commonly used to disseminate cholera information to affected communities. Furthermore, health related information is only provided to affected communities when there is a cholera outbreak. The study recommends the following: City authorities should give the problem of water shortages top priority in their plans, Health education should be taught on a regular basis to influence behaviour change and encourage boiling of drinking water. Health officers should visit affected communities regularly instead of waiting until there is a cholera outbreak. Health care providers should use appropriate and affordable channels including community meetings to disseminate cholera-related information among affected communities. Finally areas for future research are recommended.