Department of Information Science, Language and Communication Studies

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Browsing Department of Information Science, Language and Communication Studies by Subject "Information demand"

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    MODELLING CANCER OCCURRENCES IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES THROUGH INFODEMIOLOGY
    (TUK, 2024-10) KIBE LUCY WACHERA
    ABSTRACT This study addresses the information-seeking behaviour and production of cancer in East African Community (EAC) countries through infodemiology. The study analysed cancer information searching trends and informetric patterns from 2004 to 2023, examined the relationship between cancer search trends and occurrences, established the association between search trends and informetric patterns, and modelled cancer information demand and supply in EAC countries. The study was guided by Millers’ monitoring and blunting theory, Health Belief Model and Wilson’s 1996 model of information behaviour. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. Information-oriented purposive sampling was used to sample the countries. Convenience sampling was adopted for demand-based infodemiology using Google Scholar and PubMed while purposive sampling was used for supply-based infodemiology. Data collection involved web scraping and search engine queries using Google Trends and Harzing's Publish or Perish. Ethical considerations included anonymisation, minimisation, responsible data use, and ethical clearance. The findings illustrate peaks in information interest during specific months, particularly August, September and October, likely driven by health awareness campaigns and events. There was a high interest in information on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, preventive measures, and awareness of different cancer types. Predominant regions and cities for information-seeking included Kijabe, Nairobi, Eldoret, Nanyuki, Kisumu, and Mombasa in Kenya; Kampala, Ishaka, Arua, and Kasangati in Uganda; Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Kigoma in Tanzania; and Kigali and Kibaha in Rwanda. Cancer research showed a rising trend in scholarly publications in the period under review. Journal articles dominated the research, with Google Scholar indexing a broader range, including theses and preprints, while PubMed focused more on traditional research articles and clinical trials. The research themes initially focused on women's health and general cancer epidemiology, shifting towards specific cancer types and screening practices. Themes like cervical cancer screening and patient care emerged, reflecting changing research dynamics and healthcare needs. The research demonstrated varying levels of citation and impact within the academic community. In Kenya, 56% of the articles had been cited; in Uganda, 55% received citations. In Tanzania, 60% of articles were cited, while in Rwanda, 57% were cited. The authorship patterns in cancer research publications revealed notable variations. In Kenya and Uganda, most articles were authored by a single author (27.24% and 29.26%, respectively. In Tanzania and Rwanda, research was mainly co-authored, with most articles having four authors (33.57% and 32.17%, respectively). The cancer information search trends and incidences showed high search volumes corresponding with high incidence rates for breast cancer in Kenya, prostate cancer in Uganda and breast and prostate cancers in Tanzania and Rwanda. Kenya exhibited a positive correlation between web searches and publications (r =.323). In Uganda, this correlation was moderately strong (r = .435). Tanzania showed a significant positive correlation (r = .788). At the same time, Rwanda presented the strongest significant correlation (r = .862). The study proposes the Health Connect Centre Web application to address the interplay between information demand and supply. The Web app integrates user-friendly interfaces, a robust search core API, and comprehensive backend systems. Other recommendations include enhanced public awareness campaigns, community engagement, tailored information resources, and collaborative research initiatives. Policy implications stress targeted health communication and digital accessibility. Integrating infodemiology improves healthcare delivery by optimising resource allocation and public health messaging. Theoretical implications validate frameworks' relevance in understanding information dynamics.