Information-seeking behaviour of Tanzanians in the time of COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate on access and communication of COVID-19 information among Tanzanians.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methods were applied to identify a total of 636 respondents.

Findings

Results show that the majority (86.9%) of respondents seek information on COVID-19. Gender, age, education and marital status did not influence individual’s information-seeking behaviour. Respondents largely used social media, particularly WhatsApp, to communicate. Respondents prefer blending professional and traditional information to combat COVID-19. The majority (51%) of respondents indicated that COVID-19 information was not communicated ethically. Employed people are more likely to ethically communicate information on the pandemic in social media.

Practical implications

Findings imply that novelty of the pandemic has enhanced active information-seeking behaviour. Respondents rely on multiple information sources to seek and collaboratively communicate COVID information. Employment status is associated with respondents’ information-seeking behaviour. Audio-visual sources are mostly preferred and relied in communicating information on the pandemic. Social media usage has enhanced timely and appropriate decision-making measures to tackle the COVID menace. Level of education has an influence on the use of credible sources and ethical communication of information on the pandemic. Utilization of COVID-19 preventive information was not statistically associated with socio-demographic variables. Availability of information infrastructures, particularly the internet, influences access, use and clear informed decision on prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease.

Originality/value

The study contributes to knowledge and literature on response and preventive measures on COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries.

Citation

Elia, E.F. (2023), "Information-seeking behaviour of Tanzanians in the time of COVID-19", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. 72 No. 4/5, pp. 356-375. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-04-2021-0060