Abstract
The chapter explores the critical role of health information communication in rural settings during pandemics. It looks into rural populations' unique challenges in accessing health information, information dissemination, and improving health outcomes. The chapter discusses the current health information communication in rural settings, the need for tailoring health information, the barriers, and the potential of technology and innovations in improving access to rural information. It also highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and policy considerations in effectively addressing health information disparities in rural areas.
TopIntroduction
The impact of pandemics on a country's healthcare systems is profound, challenging the very core of governments' capacity to respond to public health emergencies. While pandemics such as COVID-19 have resonated globally, they have also spotlighted the unique challenges rural communities face in accessing timely and accurate health information. Effective health information communication is paramount during pandemics, as it serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking guidance and reassurance and plays a pivotal role in the overall containment and management of the crisis.
Generally, access to health information is crucial in empowering individuals to make informed decisions on their health and well-being (Gale et al., 2020; Kelley et al., 2016). However, one of the persisting challenges is ensuring equitable access to health information, particularly in rural areas. Rural communities often face limited healthcare infrastructure, geographical isolation, and a lack of resources (MacLeod et al., 2020). which impede their access to timely and reliable health information (Gale et al., 2020; Kelley et al., 2016; McIlhenny et al., 2011), exacerbating the effect of the pandemic when it arises.
Technological advances have caused a growing recognition of their potential to bridge this gap and improve health information access in rural areas during a pandemic. In particular, digital and mobile health (mHealth) solutions have emerged as promising tools for delivering health information and services to underserved populations. These technologies leverage the widespread adoption of mobile devices and the increasing connectivity of rural areas to overcome traditional barriers to access (Oliver-Williams et al, 2017).
The book chapter explores the status of health information access and the technology's potential to address the challenges of health information access in rural areas. Examination of the role of technology in facilitating equitable access to health information during pandemics looks into the opportunities and implications technology offers for enhancing health outcomes in rural populations. Specifically, it discusses the practices, barriers, and implementation considerations associated with technology-driven solutions in rural healthcare settings.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Community Health Worker: A trained and trusted healthcare professional who works within a specific community or population to promote and improve the health and well-being of its residents.
Gamification: The application of game design principles, mechanics, and elements in non-gaming contexts to engage and motivate individuals, enhance their learning experience, and encourage specific behaviors or actions.
Traditional Birth Attendant: A person who assists the mother during childbirth and initially acquires her skills by delivering babies or working with other TBAs.
Telemedicine: is a branch of healthcare that uses telecommunication and information technology to provide medical services, consultations, and information exchange remotely.
Health Literacy: The ability of individuals to obtain, comprehend, evaluate, and use healthcare information to make informed decisions about their health and effectively navigate the healthcare system.
Health Information: These are facts related to various aspects of health and healthcare, including medical records, clinical data, educational materials, and resources that pertain to individual well-being, diseases, medical conditions, treatments, and public health
Health Information Portal: Is A web-based platform or website that serves as a centralized and comprehensive source of health-related information and resources.
Mobile Health: Also known as “mHealth,” is a term used to describe the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, in the delivery of healthcare services, the collection of health-related data, and the dissemination of health information.
Virtual Reality: is a technology that immerses users in a computer-generated, three-dimensional environment, simulating a realistic experience that can engage multiple senses, including vision, hearing, and sometimes touch or motion.