HEALTH INFORMATION BEHAVIOR DURING COVID-19 EFFECT OUTBREAK AMONG NAVSARI AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF NAVSARI CITY

Abstract

Health information shared on the web has the potential to enhance people’s quality of life. However, health information literacy and informational skills decide the individuals’ ability to get credible health information useful for them. This study investigates Navsari Agriculture university students of Navsari City health information behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has adopted a quantitative approach using a questionnaire to Navsari Agriculture university students of Navsari City health information behavior. A sample of a questionnaire was distributed randomly among 230 students and 185 students answered a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The study results show that official health websites, social media, and family and friends are the first sources for health information for the participants. The findings also revealed that the sample has adequate health information skills, though many of the participants still got to raise their information literacy skills. Information credibility and private beliefs were found to affect the participants’ decision to share health information on the web . One of the limitations of the study is that the sample selected in this study was Agriculture students who are trained to find reliable information as part of their education. Findings could also be different for the “average” student. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed in one university, which means that the results cannot be generalized in Agriculture University using different courses. This study explores the health information behavior of Agriculture students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study results may help develop the course plan in other Agriculture universities in Gujarat, which would help improve the students’ health information literacy